In the next June 21th, 2014, Vietnamese reporters and journalistic institutions will celebrate the 49th Vietnam Journalism Day. A series of activities have been arranged for the event. It’s the day to honour and pay tribute to many fine media professionals in Vietnam, both in journalism and in government.

We couldn’t deny the important and significant roles of journalism. Journalists educate the public about events and issues and how they affect their lives. They spend much of their time interviewing expert sources, searching public records and other sources for information, and sometimes visiting the scene where a crime or other newsworthy occurrence took place. After they've thoroughly researched the subject, they use what they uncovered to write an article or create a piece for radio, television or the Internet.

While some journalists may choose to go against what could perhaps be described as an ethical grain, I feel that a truly successful journalist would always consider the above before submitting anything for publication.

In addition to serving the public interest, journalists must also follow the law, especially regarding the confidentiality and privacy of the people they interview or write about.

Some aspects of a journalist's job are not subject to any kind of law but are just as important. Journalists must strive to present an accurate, well-balanced explanation of the stories they cover. For example, they have an obligation to present all sides of an issue, and to conduct extensive research and talk to several sources knowledgeable about the subject. If they present only popular opinion, or if they conduct minimal research without fully exploring the subject, they don't give readers and viewers the information they need to understand the implications of the event or issue. Journalists must also be honest with the people they interview, telling them before talking to them what the article is about and that they plan to quote them in the piece.

The point which really matters is the free and fair reports and news that has to be without sided actions. The journalist and reporters are to be free of supporting any political party, our tasks and duties are to present the true incidents’ apart of being politically reporters, it is because any sort of side taking or vicious reports would violate the code of conduct for which are set in the national judiciary.

Recently, the authorities have punished a number of reporters, bloggers that either fabricated interviews or acted unethically towards interviewees. And, I am very upset while there are many reporters, bloggers who still let benefits and money ruin their conscience of a journalist.

There might be many other several key points which are to be kept in mind whilst reporting or writing articles, editorials and columns. The point to ponder is the real worth and value of media in an independent society where everybody can flourish freedom of speech and freedom of press. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and be hopeful that a day will come when our country is free from every prejudice and hatred. The journalist will truly realize their core tasks and responsibilities in fighst against corruption and in efforts to make country wealthy and prosperous. So, in occasion of the Vietnam Journalism Day, I would like to send all best wishes and profound tribute to all true journalists, hope you will be soldier on battle of thought and propaganda, especially in the struggle to protect our sovereignty over Paracel and Spratly islands.

                                                               Vietnamese children

Gender equality is a major goal of the Party and State of Vietnam, has been set from the very first days of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. In the Declaration of Independence September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh wrote: "All men are created equal".

This thought has been a guideline thorough in the process of building the lawful and democratic State for over 60 years.

In the first Constitution of the State of Democratic Republic of Vietnam (1946), the gender equality perspective was expressed by the principle of "no race or gender discrimination"; and "All Vietnamese citizens are equal in all aspects of politics, economics, culture and society" (Article 6) and "women are equal to men in all respects" (Article 9).

   

That view is continuously inherited and developed consistent with the trend of the country and era’s development. In particular, during the period of innovation and integration, the Party, State, National Assembly and state agencies take care so much to the legislation, that must based on the principle of access rights and gender equality.

The issue of gender equality has been institutionalized in most legal documents, that has created a legal basis, equal opportunities and empowerment for both men and women in the fields of politics, economics, culture-society. Besides, in order to achieve the objective of gender equality, the Government has enacted a lot of measures as the specific policies; integrated into the national strategies and targeted programs.

With legal system, that are becoming perfect to suite with the characteristics and situation of the country, social awareness on gender equality is increasingly high, contributing to ensure equality in social life as well as of communities. Therefore, Vietnam is considered as one of the country that have policies and legal system of equality quite progressive compared to many countries around the world and in the region, including many developing countries. According to the World Bank : " Vietnam is one of the leading countries in the world in the percentage of women participating in economic activities, is one of the leading countries to make progress on gender equality... is the country to achieve the most rapid change to eliminate the gender gap in the last twenty years in East Asia".

Despite there was a relatively completed system of laws on gender equality, as a developing country and heavily influenced by Confucianism, Vietnam are still facing many challenges to the implement gender equality, as following:

The thought of gender biased has existed quite popularly among the people, even in a number of civil servants, social staffs.

There is the lack of information and disaggregated data about gender in all areas of life, even sometimes little or incompleted, asynchronous, not comprehensive. So, it is difficult to accurately assess issues related to gender equality development and provide effective measures to ensure and achieve targets in gender equality.

Many legal terms have not been fully implemented, due to lack of financial institutions or they are not strong enough or just stop at administrative sanctions.

In the future, to resolve and overcome the challenges mentioned above, the State’s management on gender equality should focus on some of the contents below:

First, the need to build up and fullfill all the rules of the law, that must be consistent with the goal of gender equality. To develop and implement policies to promote the implementation of gender equality goals.

Second, to enhance the propagation and dissemination of the law on gender equality; raising the social awareness about gender and gender equality issue.

Third, to form and consolidate the organizations and personnel in the State’s system to manage the issue of gender equality from the central to local level.

Fourth, in addition to the effective use of budget resources, there is the need to attract other financial resources, technical assistance inside and outside the country, to ensure the implementation of objectives to socialize gender equality work.

 Fifth, to strengthen the inspection and examination of the implementation of the law on gender equality.

 Sixth, to continuously promote scientific research and international cooperation (in multilateral, bilateral and NGOs) in the field of gender equality in general and for the development of women in particular.

Gender equality is one of the important criteria to evaluate the development of each society and country. This is both a goal and contributing factors to the cause of social and economic development of each country. The gender equality has a special position in building a stably developed and sustainable society in our country. / .

Facing the illegal HD-981 deployment of China in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam and its provocative moves in the South China Sea that made growing tensions, many international scholars continues expressing strong condemnation and confirms the support of international public opinion is an advantage of Vietnam before Beijing's illegal and unilateral actions.

In the article entitled “The price of unhonorable victory” by Ankit Panda in The Diplomat said that actions caused tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea and led to consequences that this country is now increasingly isolated in the international arena. According to the author, instead of using any reasonable legal arguments to justify the claims, the Chinese government only cited few historical documents and dubious precedent to quibble for their claims. Most recently, this “eloquent words” were shown by China's representative at the 13^th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. “On the international political arena, the most important thing is to win by the prestige, honor and influence. In current trends, it is not too late for China to save the reputation in resolving disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea”, Ankit Panda wrote.

To evaluate China’s illegal placement of the oil rig HD-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Dr. Edward Miller at Dartmouth University of America said that China’s operations are not because of the economic purpose but political motivation. Beijing is using its dominance of the military to find ways to change the status quo in the South China Sea. However, the heavy price they must pay is the country's prestige in the international arena. “In terms of international public opinion, I believe that the support is intended to Vietnam. Looking at the actions of China in not only the South China Sea but also East China Sea have shown that Beijing is under pursuit of expansionist model on the sea that makes international community suspect China. Consequently, Vietnam is taking the advantage of enlisting the support of international to resolve conflicts”, Dr. Edward Miller said. According to this scholar, China will likely continue similar actions in the future, Vietnam needs to plan to cope with this situation. In addition to enlisting the support of international public opinion, Vietnam can take the necessary legal steps to resolve the disputes.

Sharing a common consideration, the Philstar Newspaper in Philippines quoted speech of Prof. Robbert Sutters at George Washington University (USA) that China has failed diplomatic efforts because China wants to persuade neighbors of peaceful rise while continuing unilateral aggression.

In an article posted on sina.com, a young author working in a Chinese media agency with pen name Bruce voiced criticism of China's views on South China Sea issue. According to the author, in history, China has never had exclusive fishing rights on the South China Sea. The Chinese dynasties have never approved regulations that only Chinese had fishing rights in the South China Sea and forbided fishermen in other coastal countries to catch fish in these waters. “The ancestors of the Chinese fishermen all lived in harmony, sharing resources with fishermen around the other countries. They have never said that this was exclusive territory. Is is necessary to keep an objective attitude, because if it is possible other countries in the South China Sea do not respect their national interests? If all the countries only respect own interests of themselves, not respect and abide by international law, do not care about the interests of others, the problem will be difficult to remove and increasingly more complex, even lead to conflict”, this author analyzed.

                                                  Vietnam coast guard ships and planes

As we all know about the tension on the East Sea, on May 2 China stationed its drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 and various ships at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. On May 27, China expanded the rig’s operation by moving it to 15 degrees 33 minutes 22 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 34 minutes 36 seconds east longitude, 25 nautical miles from Tri Ton Island in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago and 23 nautical miles east-northeast from the old location.

This move has violated international and regional commitments as well as the two countries’ agreements and also threatens peace, stability, security, safety and maritime freedom in the East Sea.

Immediately, Vietnam has dispatched fishing boats and fisheries surveillance ships to oppose China forces.

China maintained nearly 120 ships, including 40 coast guard vessels, over 30 cargo ships and tugboats, 35-40 fishing boats and four warships. A Y-8 aircraft was spotted to fly above the rig at a height of 300-500m. China’s fishing boats, backed by two coast guard ships, continued to hinder Vietnamese fisheries surveillance and fishing ships from accessing the rig. They acted more spontaneous, pushing Vietnam’s fishing boats away from the rig about 35-40 nautical miles. The Chinese vessels organised in group, about 7-8 or 9-11 nautical miles from the rig, to aggressively prevent and stand ready to ram against and fire water cannons at the Vietnamese ships. Especially, on May 26 a Chinese vessel has rammed and sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat. This act of China is unacceptable and inhumane.

Dealing with this recent situation, the Party and State are conducting measures to support fishermen and coast guard forces.

The National Assembly on June 9 decided to spend 16 trillion VND (752 million USD) assisting fishermen to build offshore fishing vessels and equipping fisheries surveillance and coast guard forces. The amount will be sourced from the 2013 State and central budget expenditure, according to a resolution adopted in the afternoon session. Earlier, NA deputies approved a resolution on State budget balance for 2012, with 1,038 trillion VND (47.78 billion USD) as total collection and 1,170 trillion VND (around 55 billion USD) as total spending. On the day, the deputies discussed a proposal on the 2015 NA supervision program, focusing on major supervision contents and measures to ensure the progress and efficiency of the program.

Recently, on a trip to Ha Long, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has spoken highly of efforts by the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC) in building fisheries surveillance vessels, making a practical contribution to safeguarding the national sea and island sovereignty. He said Vietnam is piloting a project building steel fishing vessels so as to equip fishermen with more modern ships. He asked the SBIC to work closer with authorised agencies and fishermen to create more steel vessels, helping fuel the fishing industry.

We can clearly see that the State and Government has been doing their utmost to support the fishermen and coast guard forces. Despite all difficulties in economy, the limit in national fund… Our Party and Government have spent a huge amount of money to upgrade the ability to develop the economy and defend our territorial sovereignty.

Vietnamese all over the world also show their support with fishermen and coast guard forces by sending money and donation.

Amid tensions with China over the East Sea, when the nation is in danger we can clearly see the power of solidarity of Vietnamese nation.

On June 10, 2014, at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the 26^th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council started with the attendances of representatives from 47 UNHRC member countries and the member states of the United Nations, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, representatives of agencies in the United Nations system and non-governmental as well as international human rights organizations.

At the dialogue session with the Rapporteur, Ambassador Pham Quoc Tru, Deputy Head of the Vietnam delegation at the United Nations stated: Vietnam shares the concern of many countries for more and more manifest abuse of the rights to freedom of association to disrupt, undermine national security, public order, public safety in the country, as well as affecting the rights and interests of others; Vietnam supports securing the freedom of speech of the people, but in the course of implementation it should pay attention due to the specific history, culture and religion in each society; Vietnam will continue making efforts to protect and promote human rights in general and freedom of speech, freedom of association in particular.

The 26^th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council will continue working to June 27. In addition to the priority themes of the program are expected to work on women's rights, children's rights, freedom of speech, association, press freedom, poverty reduction,… the 26^th session will also discuss and make a decision on a number of issues related to human rights which is increasingly interested by the international community such as in responsibility of cooperation for human rights, responding to climate change... Besides, the session will also consider approval the reports of the Working Groups on Universal Periodic Review (UPR) towards 14 countries, including Vietnam.

For the first time forces stationing on the island of West Gemini (Vietnam) and East Gemini (Philippines) have organized exchanges on West Island Gemini on June 8 which was hosted by Vietnam People's Navy.

At the exchange, each country sent 40 representatives to participate in activities of sharing information on search and rescue, maritime security, disaster warning for island areas and discussed exchanging content for the next in the East Island Gemini. In addition, the two deligations also had cultural and sports exchanges such as soccer, volleyball and tug.

The exchange also showed the efforts of both Vietnam and the Philippines in order to reinforce the friendly relations and cooperation through practical actions, especially in the context of growing tensions over the South China Sea when China despite international law had put down oil rig HD-981 deep in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam.

"The unilateral actions regardless of international law in order to change the status quo, to use force or threaten to use force as illegal deployment of oil rig HD-981 and more than 100 protected, including military vessels into the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam from May first as being contrary to the general trend, threatening the peace, security and maritime safety in the region and in the world, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Manh Cuong, head of the West Island Gemini said at the meeting within the framework of the exchange.

Looking back the cooperative process to see collaborative efforts of the two countries in determination of building trust and strengthenning cooperation. The two countries signed Defense Cooperation Agreement in October 2010. Next, the Memorandum of Understanding between the two navies of Vietnam and Philippines on strengthening bilateral cooperation and information sharing was signed on October 26, 2011. Less than half a year later, on March 12, 2012, "Regulation in the island human interaction Gemini Gemini West and East Island between the Vietnam People's Navy and Navy Phi Philippines" was signed.

The exchanges on the West Island Gemini on June 8 as a result of the formal process of cooperation and also opens new avenues for the Navy in particular and Vietnam People's Army of Vietnam in general to increase cooperation and friendship with foreign troops in ASEAN.

"This is a historic event," Colonel Carlito M. Barizo, Deputy commander of the West Philippines Navy, leading the Philippines Deligation participating in the exchange said as soon as setting foot on the West Island Gemini.

“Our seas will really peaceful waters when the two sides understood each other and trust each other”, Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Vinh, the Derector of Naval External Relations Devision shared with Philippines deligation in intimate meal on the island. The Philippines also totally agreed with this comment.

From the exchange, the two sides will cooperate to cope with the problem of risks caused by natural disasters, carrying out the combined activities in search and rescue, sharing information about bad weather warnings and security issues, maritime safety, maintaining order and security in the region over two island waters, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and security in the South China Sea.

"The way to solve the problem as the best when we understand, respect each other and be conscious to handle the issues by peaceful means," Colonel Carlito M. Barizo affirmed.

The exchange is also an activity to realize the desire that Vietnam wishes along with other countries in the region to create trust, strengthen the environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development together, prevent the occurrence conflict, war, as well as resolute conflicts and disputes peacefully.

A campaign calling on youngsters to promote their role in defending the nation’s sea and island sovereignty was launched in the northern port city of Hai Phong on June 6.

The three-month campaign will also encourage young people to take an active part in building new-style rural areas, especially in the Northwestern, Central Highlands and Southwestern regions, some of the most disadvantaged areas in the country.

The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, the initiator of the programme, took this occasion to present gifts to former voluntary force members and relatives of coast guards and fisheries surveillance officials who are carrying out their law enforcement missions in Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago.

First Secretary of the union, Nguyen Dac Vinh, said the launching ceremony will be followed by a wide range of activities looking towards to the nation’s seas and islands, such as building flagpoles confirming sovereignty at six outpost islands, accompanying young fishermen offshore, and supporting fishermen with essential equipment.

A youth team of 80 members stayed at the Bach Long Vi island district on June 5-6 to build a flagpole there. They also supported young islanders to do business and took part in an art exchange with soldiers and residents.-VNA