Vesak 2025 - Affirming Vietnam's commitment to human rights

Relics of Buddha Shakyamuni have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Indian Ministry of Culture)

On the morning of May 2, the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni were carried by a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force and landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), opening the series of activities of the United Nations Day of Vesak - Vesak 2025 in Vietnam.

The organization of Vesak in one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the country shows that the religious environment in Vietnam is always facilitated. Traditional Buddhist ceremonies take place solemnly and publicly, with close coordination between the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, functional agencies and local authorities. In addition, cultural, academic and international exhibition activities are organized in a systematic and diverse manner, demonstrating the openness and respect of the Vietnamese State for religious activities.

The relics of Buddha Shakyamuni were brought in a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force. (Photo: Embassy of India)

With the theme “Harmony and Inclusion for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development”, Vesak 2025 emphasizes the core values ​​of human dignity, harmony and sustainable development. In the context of the world being affected by conflicts, climate change and social inequality, the message of compassion and tolerance of Buddhism is strongly spread by Vietnam as a practical contribution to peace and common development. Vesak 2025 is not only a religious festival but also a space for human exchange - where peoples, beliefs and cultures meet in a spirit of respect, solidarity and sharing.

Vietnam is currently a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term and has announced its candidacy for re-election for the 2026-2028 term. This affirms Vietnam's long-term and consistent commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally.

With the motto "Respect and understanding - Dialogue and cooperation - All human rights for all" when participating in the Human Rights Council, Vietnam has proactively contributed many initiatives, especially in protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities...

Vietnam is also a member state of most of the basic international conventions on human rights and has internalized many international commitments into specific policies.

Affirming Vietnam's responsibility in promoting global human rights values, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Standing Office of the Steering Committee on Human Rights, emphasized that Vietnam is ready to integrate and always ensures human rights in all fields.

The material and spiritual life of ethnic minorities is increasingly improved.

Next July, Vietnam will present its national report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) to the United Nations Specialized Committee. This is not only an international obligation but also an opportunity to affirm the transparency and substance of Vietnam's people-centered development policy.

The United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote for new members of the Human Rights Council in October. In the journey towards the next term, activities such as Vesak 2025 are concrete manifestations of Vietnam’s responsibility and increasingly proactive role in promoting global human rights.

Not only does Vietnam implement human rights within the legal framework, it also demonstrates them through vivid practices - from cultural and educational activities to religious dialogue and international cooperation.

The successful organization of many Vesak celebrations is a testament to Vietnam's policy of respecting freedom of belief as well as its goodwill in promoting understanding and harmony among different communities and religions.

Over the past decades, Vietnam has significantly improved its social security policies through programs to eradicate hunger, reduce poverty, develop ethnic minority areas, ensure gender equality, improve people's enjoyment, promote digital transformation associated with the right to access information and knowledge. Programs to protect vulnerable groups, especially people with disabilities, children and women... have all recorded significant progress.

One of the bright spots is ensuring cultural rights for ethnic minority communities through programs to preserve and promote national cultural identity.

Specifically, national target programs: Socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas; new rural construction phase; sustainable poverty reduction...

The programs all put people at the center, contributing to creating a new look for ethnic minority areas, both creating sustainable livelihoods and preserving and promoting good traditional cultural values...

Preserve good traditional cultural values.

From the Vesak 2025 event, Vietnam continues to affirm its consistent policy of respecting freedom of belief, promoting religious dialogue and proactively contributing to the global human rights development process.

NDO

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/xa-hoi/vesak-2025-khang-dinh-cam-ket-nhan-quyen-cua-viet-nam-160505.html