Forum approves Beijing Declaration on human rights

World
Europe

The inaugural South-South Human Rights Forum concluded in Beijing on Friday with a call for the safeguarding of the right of people to development.

The gathering approved the Beijing Declaration on the universal acceptance and observance of human rights. Rights must and can only be advanced in accordance with the national conditions and needs of people, it said.

Willy Nyamttwe, principal counselor in charge of press, information and communication of the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi, announces the approval of the Beijing Declaration on human rights on Friday. /CGTN Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the forum Thursday, calling for respect to be given to the will of developing countries in human rights development.

"It is important for the international community to respect and reflect the will of the people in developing countries in the spirit of justice, fairness, openness and inclusiveness," the message said.

It said that following a people-centered development philosophy, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government have all along placed people's interests above all else, and worked hard to meet their desire for a better life and improve respect for and protection of the fundamental rights of the Chinese people.

Farukh Amil, the permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said: ''The message of President Xi is very loud and clear. It is the respect for human dignity. These are very wise words."

The South-South Human Rights Forum took place in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Bamazi Tchaa, a human rights expert from the African Union said taking China as a model is something very important for African countries.

"China has made great achievements in terms of development and ensuring the well-being of its people, which is a good example for African countries to follow," Tchaa said.

The Beijing Declaration stressed that South-South cooperation is an important way to promote development and human rights in developing countries.

Some saw China's people-centered development philosophy as an example for others to follow.

Albania's ambassador to China Clirim Cepani is interviewed by CGTN's Hou Na on the sidelines of the South-South Human Rights Forum in Beijing on Dec. 8. /CGTN Photo

Sune Skadegaard Thorsen, CEO from Global CSR, Denmark, said it is extremely important message coming from President Xi is that nations like China take the role as the beacon for developing countries to the rights of their people.

Ambassador Clirim Cepani from Albania said it is very important to have a cooperation between all the countries to defend all rights "because it's part of life, it's part of progress, it's part of the development of all the countries."

The two-day forum attracted more than 300 officials and scholars from over 70 countries and international organizations.