Vietnam supports for UN special session on Children




Nov. 16 (VNA) -- Viet Nam supports the draft resolution to be adopted by the UN General Assembly this year under item 42 relating to preparations for a Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Children in Sept., 2001, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Chau has said.

Mr. Chau affirmed Viet Nam's strong support for and full commitment to making the Special Session a great success at the UN General Assembly in New York on Nov. 15.

He said: "My country supports the right-based approach in our efforts to realize the goals of the World Summit for Children. Thus, it is imperative for all States which are parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to fully implement their obligations under the Convention. An assessment of the 10 years of implementation of the Convention should be an essential element in the preparation of the Special Session. We also call upon States that have not ratified the Convention to do so as soon as possible.

The welfare of children, however, cannot be promoted in separation from the socio-economic development process of the country. Therefore, my country is of the view that the review and assessment of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit at all levels, as well as the future actions to be defined by the Special Session, must be closely linked with socio-economic development policies. In view of the formidable challenges of globalization, especially to developing countries, it is highly important for us to find ways and means to build our capacity. This will sustain our hard-earned achievements in protecting and promoting our children's rights and welfare and help us move forward in the next centuries.

In order to ensure total success for the Special Session on Children and its follow-ups, we support all efforts to find creative ways to mobilize constructive participation and contribution of all Member States, the UN system, other international organizations, as well as all relevant actors, including non-governmental organizations in implementing the Plan of Action and preparing for the Special Session."

In conclusion the Vietnamese diplomat said: "Viet Nam supports the draft resolution to be adopted by the General Assembly this year under item 42 and will work cooperatively in the preparatory process leading to the Special Session on Children."