China, representing about 80 countries, called for international cooperation and high-quality development in a statement at a general debate of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday.

The general debate was focused on the follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the declaration.

China, in the statement, noted that the declaration was a milestone in the history of human rights. Inspired by the spirit of the declaration, much has been achieved over the past 30 years, yet the international community faces multiple challenges, such as increasing discrimination and inequality, political polarization and fragmentation, which seriously impede the full and effective implementation of the declaration and its sustainable development.

To revitalize the spirit of the declaration, China stressed that human rights were universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, so the international community should treat people's economic, social, cultural, political and developmental rights equally and promote balanced development of these rights.

The international community should put emphasis on development as the world currently faces many challenges, China stressed in the statement. It added that the international community should put people first, hear the voice of developing countries, eliminate inequality, and promote high-quality, inclusive and equitable development.

China also stressed the importance of dialogue and international cooperation, saying all parties should carry out human rights exchanges and cooperation based on equality, solidarity and mutual respect.

(Cover: The UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. /CFP)