Opening of the 29th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: un.org

Vietnam held an international seminar on abolishing harmful activities towards children on June 16, on the sidelines of the 29th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).

>> Vietnam attends 29th session of UN Human Rights Council

The event, which drew representatives from 40 countries, international agencies and non-governmental organisations, was to carry out the country’s commitments in connection with its bid for HRC membership.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, highlighted efforts made by nations to protect women and children’s rights through implementing relevant international conventions.

He called on countries worldwide to pay attention to convention committees’ recommendations on eliminating infringements on children’s rights.

In regards to Vietnam’s status on gender quality and child rights, the Ambassador affirmed the country’s strong commitments in building legal regulations and implementing specific policies to address challenges to protecting children’s rights, adding that comprehensive education and consultations have been carried out in remote areas to eradicate unsound customs on women and children.

He suggested countries and related convention committees foster communication and education of international and national legal documents on women and children.

A number of harmful customs to women and children were also overviewed at the conference, including early marriage, forced marriage and child abuse.

International representatives spoke highly of Vietnam’s contributions to the general discussions of the HRC.

Women and children’s rights have been among Vietnam’s key priorities and are one of the main HRC discussion topics at the 29th session.

The 29th HRC session, which will run through July 3, will address several urgent global issues concerning human rights, and touch on migration and the situation in Ukraine, South Sudan, and Syria.

Source: VNA