Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pham Binh Minh at an online UN meeting.
Photo courtesy of the Vietnam government portal. 

Vietnam will run for the UN Human Rights Council's 2023-25 term, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has said. 

Minh, who is leading the Vietnamese delegation to an UNHRC session, said on Monday the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has killed millions and affected billions of others, burdening countries’ medical and social security systems and affecting human rights.

The Vietnamese government portal quoted him as saying that as the world move towards a "new normal," the pandemic serves as an opportunity for it to build a brighter future where international unity and cooperation are key elements in overcoming challenges.

Saying that keeping society safe amid the pandemic is the best way to ensure human rights, he highlighted Vietnam's policies, efforts and achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in fighting the pandemic, sustaining economic growth and ensuring social security.

He also noted Vietnam's contribution to the global pandemic fight in the form of supplying masks and medical equipment to over 50 countries and recommending that Dec. 27 be made International Day for Epidemic Preparedness to promote awareness of disease prevention and response.