Vietnam shows concern about use of force in international relations

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, made the statement during the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s videoconference Arria-formula meeting on February 24. The occasion was running with the theme of “Upholding the collective security system of the UN Charter: the use of force in international law, non-state actors and legitimate self-defense”, and saw the participation of roughly 30 member countries of the UN Security Council and the UN.

All nations are obliged to build friendly ties and form a culture of upholding the UN Charter and international law, as well as abiding by principles in sovereignty and territorial integrity, whilst not interfering in the internal affairs of other states. This should be done whilst not using or threatening to use force, and dealing with disputes in a peaceful manner, Ambassador Quy said.

The local diplomat said that the UNSC should work to promote the observance of international law whilst promote its role and the UN Charter as a vital tool in maintaining international peace and security. This should be done while increasing co-ordination with regional organisations and international legal agencies as a means of coping with disputes, maintaining peace, and preventing conflicts.

He therefore underscored the need to avoid the abuse and re-explanation of the UN Charter, suggesting that the UNSC continue to create favourable conditions in which countries get access to the affairs and documents of the council in order to promote open and transparent discussions in the field.

Furthermore, participants at the event stressed the principle of not using or threatening to use force, which ultimately serves as a foundation for the collective security system in line with the UN Charter and the UNSC's function in maintaining both international peace and security.

Those in attendance affirmed that the only exception to this allowed by the UNSC is the right to self-defence. They therefore called for the continued upholding of the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and stability, while also comparing notes on the explanation and application of Article 51 of the UN Charter on the legal basis for the use of force for self-defence, as well as on the situation in specific countries and regions.

In a further development, Ambassador Quy also stressed the importance of international assistance in the conflict-affected Central African Republic during the UNSC videoconference, with discussions held on the ongoing violence in the African country.

In his speech, the local diplomat outlined that the nation advocates the UN’s recent efforts. This is alongside those of regional and sub-regional organisations, including the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, to support the Central African Republic.

Ambassador Quy used the occasion to urge all concerned parties to resolve differences in a peaceful manner as a means of achieving political stability. Indeed, reconciliation efforts must go alongside the promotion of trust and confidence, he noted.

Calling for all sides involved to respect election results and to handle differences through dialogues, representatives from other UNSC members also underscored the importance of implementing the 2019 peace agreement between the local government and armed groups to facilitate long-term political measures.

They therefore back the efforts made by the African Union and the MINUSCA in this regard.