Vietnam Reaffirms Support for Multilateralism, Calls for Compliance with International Law

Strategic Insights -

Vietnam has reasserted its commitment to multilateralism and collective action under the United Nations leadership, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law and the UN Charter. This statement was made by Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the UN, during the High-Level Open Debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The ambassador emphasized the need for countries to resolve disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam called on parties involved in the East Sea disputes to respect diplomatic and legal processes, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam has reaffirmed its support for multilateralism and collective action under the UN leadership, emphasizing the importance of international law and the UN Charter.
  • Ambassador Do Hung Viet emphasized the need for countries to resolve disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
  • Vietnam called on parties involved in the East Sea disputes to respect diplomatic and legal processes, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation.
  • International law, particularly the UNCLOS, is crucial in resolving disputes, especially in the East Sea.
  • The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed concern over deepening political divisions, widespread conflict, and recent violations of international law, warning that these developments are eroding trust and weakening the rules-based international order.
  • The UN Security Council, under Pakistan's presidency, adopted Resolution 2788, which aims at strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

Statistics:

  • The High-Level Open Debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes took place from July 22-24, 2021.
  • The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, mentioned various crises, including Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti, as examples of escalating conflicts causing humanitarian disasters and deepening extreme poverty.
  • 194 UN member states, regional groups, and international organisations reaffirmed strong support for multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations.

Sources:

  • Vietnam News Agency, "Vietnam reaffirms support for multilateralism, calls for compliance with international law", 2021.
  • UNSC Resolution 2788, "Draft of Resolution on Strengthening Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes", July 2021.
  • Pakistan's Presidency of the UN Security Council, "Report on High-Level Open Debate on Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes", July 2021.