Vietnam emphasises international efforts for cyber conflict prevention: ambassador

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s Arria-formula meeting on preventing civilian impact of malicious cyber activities held on December 20, Quy said many essential infrastructure and services are operated on the cyberspace, therefore, cyber attacks can have serious consequences on the economy, society, national defense, security, and people’s welfare and well-being.

The ambassador affirmed that activities in cyberspace must be in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, and adhere to voluntary, non-binding rules for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. In the midst of conflicts, all parties have a responsibility to comply with humanitarian law and protect infrastructure that is vital to people's lives, he added.

Quy reaffirmed that Vietnam advocates the building of a safe, stable and transparent cyberspace that meets the national legitimate interests and contributes to maintaining international peace and security.

Organised by Estonia and the UK, the event were briefed by Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Helen Durham, Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross for International Law and Policy.

Participants voiced their support for a peaceful, safe and stable cyberspace and called on nations to improve their IT capacities. Most of their comments affirmed that the UN Charter and international law are applicable in cyberspace. They also called for promoting agreement on applying the international humanitarian law in cyberspace./.

VNA