UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet (L) presents her annual report at the opening ceremony of the 50th session. (UN video screenshot).

In her annual report presented at the opening ceremony, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet emphasized the role the States play in responding to pandemics and other health emergencies and the socio-economic consequences, pointing out the conflict in Ukraine continues to cause many deaths and infrastructure destruction.

She affirmed that the global food crisis is driving millions of people into food insecurity and poverty, and rising food and energy prices are threatening the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, undermining progress made in realizing sustainable development goals, and slowing down actions to respond to climate change.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the States to take immediate strong action to address those challenges, build a greener economy and better adapt to crises.

She also highlighted the lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines for people in low-income countries and called for actions in place to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in these countries.

During the 50th session, Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines on June 13 co-hosted a panel discussion on ensuring vulnerable groups’ rights in the context of climate change. They introduced a draft Resolution, focusing on food rights and climate change.

Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines have since 2014 co-drafted and introduced a resolution on a specific theme at the annual UN Human Rights Council session for consideration and approval.

The 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council opened on June 13 and is scheduled to last through to July 8.

During the physically and virtually held session, the Council will hold 27 interactive dialogues with Special Procedure mandate holders and mechanisms, and nine interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner.

It will hold eight panel discussions, including those on menstrual hygiene management, human rights and gender equality; on good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; on the human rights of people in vulnerable situations in the context of climate change; and on countering the negative impact of disinformation on the enjoyment and realisation of human rights.

The Council is scheduled to consider and approve draft resolutions and decisions, and appoint a number of members of Special Procedures on July 7 - 8.

Source: english.vov.vn