Vietnam urges priority to saving lives in resolving global refugee challenge
The UN Security Council look into the worldwide refugee situation at a briefing on December 7 during which a Vietnamese diplomat called on all the parties concerned to prioritise saving lives so that no one dies while crossing a border or sea.
Hanoi (VNA) – TheUN Security Council look into the worldwide refugee situation at a briefing onDecember 7 during which a Vietnamese diplomat called on all the partiesconcerned to prioritise saving lives so that no one dies while crossing aborder or sea.
Ambassador Pham Hai Anh,Chargé d’affaires of Vietnam in the UN, said to prevent the wave of refugees,relevant governments hold the main responsibility for ensuring peace andsecurity and resolving root causes of conflicts in a comprehensive andinclusive manner. Countries also need to meet people’s basic needs and create apeaceful environment for development.
He emphasised that people’slives are the most important asset, appealing to all the parties concerned to prioritisesaving lives so that no one dies while crossing a border or sea.
The constructiveparticipation and dialogue by the related sides are the most effective methodfor refugees’ safe return and re-integration. Solutions, activities, andprogrammes of international cooperation and support must centre on people,avoid politicisation, and conform with the principle of respecting sovereigntyand not interfering in one another’s internal affairs, according to Anh.
The diplomat also underscoredthe necessity of ensuring transparency in granting the refugee status to theones seeking asylum, and in making decisions and policies. It is also needed todifferentiate refugees, irregular migrants, and those migrating for economicpurposes, especially amid the emerging non-traditional security threats.
He reiterated that Vietnamalways attaches importance to regional and international cooperation in thisissue and respects international law, including performing relevant obligationsso as to deal with global challenges in an active and responsible manner.
UN High Commissioner forRefugees Filippo Grandi and other participants said the number of internallydisplaced people (IDP) and refugees has been on the rise as a result of uncontrolled conflicts and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
In that context, the Councilmember states held that this is the common responsibility of all countries andthe UN Security Council, noting that it is necessary to deal with root causesof the refugee and IDP issue, increase humanitarian aid to guarantee theirsafety and access to fundamental services.
Countries also need toenhance their political resolve and coordination to seek solutions to thisissue and promote international cooperation basing on the principle of commonbut differentiated responsibilities./.
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A refugee camp in Syria (Photo: Reuters) 
