Vietnam backs UN humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine

It said that Dang Hoang Giang, head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, made this affirmation at the ongoing emergency special session of the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday.

The General Assembly resumed its 11th emergency special session on March 23-24 with a focus on humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The session had opened on Feb 28 and closed on March 2 after adopting a resolution in which the Assembly demanded that the Russian Federation immediately cease its unlawful use of force against its neighbour.

At the meeting, Giang also restated the country's support for humanitarian efforts of the Secretary-General, various U.N. agencies, countries in the region and international partners in Ukraine.

Vietnamese ambassador Dang Hoang Giang speaks at a U.N General Assembly session on March 23, 2022. Photo courtesy of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sharing the international community's deep concern about the humanitarian situation caused by the conflict in Ukraine, he emphasized the need to prioritize cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, protection of essential civilian infrastructure, humanitarian operations and evacuation of citizens.

According to U.N. data, of Ukraine's population of 44 million, some 3.56 million have fled the country and 6.5 million have been internally displaced since February 24. This means one in four people have been uprooted, said Enrique Austria Manalo, Vice-President of the General Assembly.

Giang reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent stance on settling international disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, the U.N. Charter, especially the principle of respect for independence, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, non-interference in others' internal affairs, and non-use of force in international relations.

He emphasized that dialogue and negotiations between relevant parties should be carried out to find a peaceful solution on the basis of international law and the U.N. Charter, taking into account the interests and concerns of relevant parties.

More than 60 countries and regional organizations attended the session.