The right to peace – the most important human right
Peace and human rights are interdependent. Today, when escalating conflicts, violence, terrorism, and non-traditional security challenges are threatening the peace, stability and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, the value of security and peace becomes more significant than ever. Peace is not only important for development but also a premise and prerequisite factor for protect human rights-one of the greatest concerns for mankind today.
In his introduction report at the workshop, Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Van Nghia, Director of International Cooperation Department of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, member of the Vietnam Peace Committee confirmed that: “Peace is a basic human right and the most important pillar to protect and promote human rights.”
The ideal and reality of peace is one of the most burning desires that all nations, and mankind as a whole, are thriving for. Therefore, the right to peace is the most elevated value of the world community and an inherent humanitarian value of the human being, he added.
Prof. Nghia also stressed that one of the resolute measures to promote respect and observance of the right to peace is to respect and ensure compliance with international law, heightening principles of the United Nations Charter and international conventions, especially those relating to human rights. Meanwhile, education on human rights and the right to peace should also be promoted.
Mentioning the right to live in peace regulated in the international human rights law, Associate Prof. Vu Cong Giao, Faculty of Law, Hanoi National University, held that ensuring the right to live in peace is not only the prerequisite condition but also the foundation to pursue other human rights. History proves that when the man is threatened by wars, conflicts, and chaos, and when the rights to life of each person or the rights to existence of each nation are challenged, other human rights are not fully respected and, as a consequence, are poorly protected.
Protecting peace – Vietnam’s top priority
Vietnam has been through many wars and understands the fierce consequences caused by wars. Therefore, Vietnam cherishes peace and hopes to maintain peace and stability to build and protect the country, said Luu.
He reiterated that maintaining and protecting peace and security is Vietnam’s top priority. He said that over thousands of years, protecting peace is the highest virtue. Vietnam has fought against 20 invasions by foreign forces, and the Vietnamese nation has resiliently and bravely struggled to gain peace in order to achieve the most fundamental human rights.
Together with social development, the Party, State, and Government of Vietnam always pay due attention to protecting peace, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core values of human rights, said Luu.
The Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly said that in Vietnam human rights are recognized and highlighted in many legal documents, including Constitution of 2013. In the integration time, Vietnam also strengthens international cooperation on human rights with countries and international organizations in the spirit of “activeness” and “a responsible member of the international community.”
At the workshop, domestic and international scholars also contributed many valuable comments to clarify the meaning, value, and role of peace in promoting and protecting human rights. Moreover, they also recommended specific solutions to maintaining peace and promoting international cooperation on these issues.
Translated by Nam Long