China's UN representative expounds China's position on human rights

Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, articulated China's achievements and stance on human rights during the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday.

Chen emphasized China's consistent engagement in global human rights governance, promoting international dialogue and cooperation on the matter.

He highlighted China's advocacy for equal attention and balanced advancement of all human rights categories, particularly emphasizing economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the right to development.

Chen underscored the adoption of a resolution on economic, social, and cultural rights proposed by 80 countries, including China, during the previous session of the UN Human Rights Council. He urged effective implementation of this resolution to contribute to sustainable development.

Furthermore, Chen emphasized the interdependence of peace, development and human rights, stressing the need for enhanced cooperation among different UN agencies.

He expressed hope that different UN agencies would strengthen cooperation in accordance with their mandates.

Chen stressed the importance of the UN human rights agency functioning fairly and objectively, adhering to principles of non-selectivity and non-politicization, and fostering a platform for constructive exchanges and cooperation among all parties.

Chen highlighted China's commitment to placing people at the center and achieving historic milestones in promoting human rights. China has successfully addressed the problem of absolute poverty, and in the past year, the income of rural residents in poverty-stricken areas increased by 8.4 percent.

He also mentioned China's ongoing development of whole-process people's democracy and the government's commitment to respecting and protecting human rights across various aspects, including legislation, law enforcement, judicature and adherence to the law.

Chen highlighted China's protection of citizens' freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law, promoting harmony among religions.

China attaches great importance to the rights of the elderly, those with disabilities, children and women, continues to increase government subsidies for compulsory education, basic pensions and medical care, and expands the scope of assistance, he said.

Additionally, Chen mentioned China's efforts in renovating urban villages and providing affordable housing, benefiting millions of families.

China is ready to work with all parties to make unremitting efforts to meet the lofty goal of the "enjoyment of human rights for everyone," said Chen.

(Cover: A file photo of Chen Xu, the permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland. /Xinhua)