Why human rights are important

Hanoi (VNA) - The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its second Special Meeting via video conference from November 23 to 25, the last official meeting chaired by Vietnam in its capacity as AICHR Chair 2020. The meeting brought together representatives of the AICHR from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat to review cooperation between stakeholders and results in 2020, while also discussing plans for 2021 and preparations for a meeting between the AICHIR and partners. The meeting reviewed eight concept papers on activities being implemented in the 2019-2021 period, 19 priority activities for 2014-2020, and seven AICHR regional studies. Member states greatly appreciate the AICHR’s concerted efforts during COVID-19 to maintain cooperation and implement priorities to further promote and protect human rights in the region and effectively respond to the complex and multidimensional impacts of the pandemic. Representatives exchanged views and … [Read more...] about AICHR convenes second Special Meeting this year

The talks in Hanoi on September 30 between Vietnamese Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (second, right) and UK First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Dominic Rabb (second, left) (Photo: VNA) … [Read more...] about Vietnam, UK issue joint declaration on strategic partnership

"This event is an opportunity to team up and to celebrate diversity, tolerance and equal rights for all," the Nordic Embassies said in a press release. "Everyone should be able to love who they want. Be who they are. We all have the same universal rights and we all want to feel the same respect for our integrity and choices."  … [Read more...] about Biking for equality and diversity at Hanoi Pride Parade

"It is regrettable that further judicial cases need to be brought to force the government to end the discrimination same-sex couples face in all walks of life," its researcher Doriane Lau told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Hong Kong. … [Read more...] about Two gay men challenge Hong Kong ban on same-sex marriage

Amid international condemnation of its use of lethal force, Israel said many of the dead were militants and that the Israeli army was repelling attacks on the border fence between Israel and Gaza. Washington has maintained Israel’s right to defend itself and refrained from joining calls for Israeli restraint. … [Read more...] about United Nations condemns excessive Israeli force against Palestinians