The main objective of theworkshop was to provide a platform for consultations and exchange ofviews between participants regarding inputs and suggestions to theobjectives of socio-economic development for ethnic and mountainousareas for 2016-2020.
It was also expected toimprove the understanding and knowledge of human rights issues inVietnam, with a focus on the rights of ethnic minorities.
Le Anh Tuan, deputy head of the Permanent Office of Vietnam NationalCommittee of Human Rights presented an account of Vietnam’s recent humanrights achievements, saying that the country has sufficient evidencefeaturing its responsibilities and obligations to international treatiesto submit to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Juan Zaratiegui Biurrun, Politic Advisor of the Delegation of theEuropean Union to Vietnam emphasised that “European countries have avaried and rich number of ethnic communities. Geography, history,culture, and lately, migration, have defined different communitieswithin the societies of Europe. This variety has undoubtedly enrichedEurope’s culture”.
“In line with universal humanrights standards, also subscribed by Vietnam, the EU and its memberstates are committed to respecting, protecting and promoting the rightsof ethnic minorities”, he added.
The event was partof the EU – Vietnam Strategic Dialogue Facility for 2013-2016 funded bythe EU which aims to support Vietnam’s development through theimplementation of activities in areas covered by the EU – VietnamPartnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 2012.
It was co-hosted by the Committee For Ethnic Minorities Affairs and the Delegation of the EU to Vietnam.-VNA