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Extreme poverty: UN Independent Expert to visit Vietnam |
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Tuesday, 31 August 2010 |
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The UN Independent Expert on human rights and extreme poverty, Magdalena Sepúlveda, visited Vietnam during 23-29 August to collect first-hand information on the situation of people living in extreme poverty and on efforts undertaken by the Vietnamese Government to improve their situation.
“Missions like this one are a very important opportunity for countries to review progress made in the promotion of human rights and renew their commitments,” said Ms Sepúlveda.
“Vietnam has been praised for its economic development in recent years, but poverty persists and inequalities are on the rise,” noted the human rights expert, who will visit the country at the invitation of the Government. “Social protection policies are of great importance to lift people out of poverty and human rights standards require official support to these initiatives.”
"Social protection interventions are also instrumental in achieving the Millennium Development Goals", added Ms Sepúlveda, explaining that she intended to review Vietnam's social protection policies and programmes during her stay.
The Independent Expert held meetings with senior Government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and representatives from various ministries working on social policies.
She also met UN representatives, the donor community and non-governmental organizations. During her mission, Ms. Sepúlveda will visit communities living in poverty in Hanoi, and in the provinces of Bac Kan and Quang Nam.
Based on the information collected during the visit, Ms Sepúlveda prepared a report and made recommendations on strengthening social protection in Vietnam using a human rights perspective. This report will be presented to the Human Rights Council in 2011.
The Independent Expert will hold a press conference on 31 August at 14:00-15:00 at the UN office, 72 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi.
(Source: CPV)
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