Zhang Haidi, former chairwoman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation and president of Rehabilitation International, called for international cooperation to promote the sustainable development of the international cause of persons with disabilities on Monday.

Zhang made the remarks while delivering a speech at a high-level seminar on persons with disabilities at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Noting the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy has been effectively promoted, Zhang said persons with disabilities still face many difficulties and challenges in participating in political, economic, cultural and social life.

Therefore, the Chinese representative called for strengthening international exchanges, cooperation and coordination in the field of persons with disabilities, so as to better implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

During her speech, Zhang also introduced the high quality development of China's human rights protection for persons with disabilities.

China has more than 90 laws in relation to the protection of the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, Zhang said.

A total of 27 million persons with disabilities have benefited from relevant national subsidies, and 7.1 million persons with disabled in rural areas have been lifted out of absolute poverty, Zhang added.

(Cover: People with disabilities participate in a sports event in Beijing, China, May 19, 2019. /Xinhua)