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A human rights official from the United Nations has asked Vietnam to work harder reducing the negative impacts of development projects and maximise the strength of cultural diversity in order to boost sustainable development.

Speaking at a November 29 working session in Hanoi to announce her findings on the implementation of cultural rights in Vietnam - following her visit to the country from November 18-29 - Farida Shaheed explained the impacts of tourism and the teaching of history on the exercise of cultural rights.

She suggested Vietnam introduce measures to ensure the right of local people to participate in the management of tourism activities in the most profitable way. She also stressed the need to build tourism models that do not negatively impact native cultural practices.

This is the first fact-finding tour of a UN Human Rights Council expert in Vietnam to study difficulties in the implementation of cultural rights.

During her trip, Shaheed visited Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, central Hoi An town and northern Sa Pa town.

Source: VNA