– Vietnam highlighted basic principles of international law and the obligation of protecting the environment in relation to armed conflicts at a working session of the 77th United Nations General Assembly’s Sixth Committee (Legal) in New York on Wednesday. Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu said the seven basic principles of the UN Charter and the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the UN Charter should be included in the list of mandatory norms.

Such norms must be accepted and recognised by the majority of countries representing regions, cultures, and legal systems with different development levels, said Vu.
Vu said Vietnam backs the Committee’s rules on environmental protection before, during and after armed conflicts.

The countries, businesses and organizations that have harmed the environment during armed conflicts should take responsibility for restoring the environment through post-conflict environmental assessment, removing toxic remnants of wars, clearing bombs and mines, and supporting and compensating victims, Vu said.

Source: VOV5