Vietnamese Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý emphasized the importance of the role of religion and belief in promoting peace, understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect among various communities during a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) held on March 19.
The Ambassador, who is also the permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, expressed the view that steps should be made in order to resolve the root of religious conflict and hatred. Indeed, these efforts can further facilitate people's participation in religious activities at local, national, and global levels, whilst also strengthening co-operation and dialogue among a number of religious groups.
Most notably, the nation is home to 54 different ethnic groups who hold a variety of different religions and beliefs whilst living peacefully and harmoniously together, he said. The country therefore always spares no effort in promoting solidarity and equality, thereby creating favourable conditions in which the operations of groups of different religions and beliefs can run smoothly.
The virtual Arria-formula meeting on “Religion, Belief and Conflict: the protection of members of religious and belief groups in conflict and religious actors in conflict resolution” was initially launched by the UK and co-sponsored by Estonia, Norway, and the United States.
Chaired by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the event brought together a range of representatives from all UNSC member states and other invited speakers.
Guest speakers used the event as an opportunity to applaud the contributions made by religious communities to peace progress, humanitarian efforts, and the cause of development in many nations and territories worldwide. Whilst some participants expressed concern about increasing terrorism and violent extremism linked to religion in recent years, they emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of beliefs.
Therefore, they called on the international community to enhance the protection offered to religious groups and communities in areas of conflict.
Participating members also voiced their support for the freedom of religion and belief, whilst stressing the need to exert greater efforts in order to combat violent extremism. They added their objection to all forms of attacks and oppression carried out against religious groups and communities during periods of conflict.
