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Statement by Ambassador Wu Haitao at the General Debate on Human Rights of the Third Committee of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly

2018-10-26 22:46

Mr. Chairman,

In the past few decades, progress has been made in international human rights cause, but difficulties and challenges remain. We still have a long and arduous way to go to achieve the lofty goal of " human rights for all". In view of this, China wishes to propose the following.

First, we must safeguard peace and security. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights embodies the deep reflection of the international community on "the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind". Security is the most paramount human right. We should uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, strengthen multilateralism and collective security mechanism, foster a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and build a robust bulwark for peace.

Second, we must promote global development. Development bears on people's life and dignity, as well as the realization and guarantee of human rights. The United Nations should help developing countries accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The international community should jointly oppose protectionism, safeguard multilateral trading system and promote more open, inclusive and balanced economic globalization that brings about shared benefits and win-win results.

Third, we must enhance exchange and cooperation. There is no one-size-fits-all model for human rights. Countries should respect each other and properly handle their differences on human rights through constructive dialogue. The UN human rights institutions should serve as bridges for exchange and dialogue, instead of a stage for pressure and confrontation.

Fourth, we must improve global governance. Multilateral human rights institutions should discharge their duties objectively and fairly in strict compliance with their mandates, advance the balanced development of all categories of human rights, increase the representation and voice of developing countries, provide greater protection to the rights of vulnerable groups and safeguard international equity and justice.

Mr. Chairman,

Taking into account both the universal and specific nature of human rights, the Chinese government has charted a course of human rights development with Chinese characteristics. In light of our national conditions, the government promotes mutually reinforcing progress in democracy and people's well-being and advances peace and development in a coordinated way. It is a people-centered approach whereby people's interests are both the point of departure and the ultimate goal. It focuses on development to ensure that people will have a greater sense of gain in development. It upholds the rule of law as the yardstick. It firmly defends the basic norms of international law with the UN Charter at its core and opposes the politicization of human rights and double standards. Driven by openness, it is committed to equal dialogue, exchange and mutual learning for common progress.

Through its unrelenting efforts, the Chinese government has met the basic needs of 1.3 billion people, reduced the population living in poverty by more than 700 million, created jobs for 770 million people and built the largest education system, social security system, medical system and grassroots-level democratic election system in the world. China will fully eradicate poverty and build a moderately well-off society in all respects by 2030. This will provide strong impetus to the development of human rights in China.

China is an important participant in the global human rights governance and a staunch facilitator of the international human rights cause. In the spirit of equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness, mutual learning and win-win cooperation, we have worked to promote an equitable and fair international human rights system. China is committed to helping other developing countries improve people's well-being, achieving development and promoting efforts at the international level for the protection of the right to life and development.

Practice in China shows that human rights can be protected in more than one way. Countries could find their own and right ways to promote human rights based on their national conditions and peoples' needs.

Mr. Chairman,

In November this year, the Human Rights Council will, in its 3rd cycle of UPR, review China's human rights situation. We will take this opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties based on mutual respect. China is ready to work with all parties to promote human rights through development and cooperation and contribute to the healthy development of the international human rights cause in jointly building a community of a shared future for mankind.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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