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US Attempt to Smear China's Human Rights Record Failed Again

2020-10-06 23:49

On 6 October, during the general debate of the Third Committee of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the US, Germany, the UK and a few other countries made groundless accusations against China. Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations, resolutely refuted their statements and wrongful acts of interfering in China’s internal affairs with the excuse of human rights and provoking confrontation among member states. Nearly 70 countries have echoed China’s position. In support of China, Pakistan made a joint statement on behalf of 55 countries on Hong Kong, Cuba made a joint statement on behalf of 45 countries on Xinjiang, and Kuwait made a joint statement on behalf of three Gulf states. A large number of countries supported China in their national statements. They spoke highly of China’s progress on human rights, showed firm support for China’s efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and unity, and expressed opposition to politicization of human rights issues, double standards and political confrontation. There was overwhelming support for China during the meeting. The US and a few other countries’ attempt to smear China’s human rights record failed completely once again.

Ambassador Zhang said that their practice of provoking confrontation is against the trend of the times. The world today is facing major challenges and is at a critical juncture. At the just-concluded commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, world leaders called for solidarity and cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and addressing global challenges. That represents the common aspiration of the international community and peoples of all countries. Words of the leaders are still ringing in our ears. However, some countries are trying to provoke confrontation and division at a time when solidarity and cooperation is most needed by the international community. These countries are standing on the wrong side of history, as they are engaged in acts that poison the atmosphere for cooperation and go against the trend of history.

Ambassador Zhang said that the act of interfering in China’s internal affairs with the excuse of human rights is unpopular. The joint statement on Xinjiang made by Cuba on behalf of 45 countries and the joint statement on Hong Kong made by Pakistan on behalf of 55 countries gave firm support to China’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security and unity and spoke highly of China’s progress on human rights. Kuwait made a joint statement on behalf of three Gulf states, opposing politicization of human rights issues and interference in others’ internal affairs with the pretext of human rights. And many other countries showed support for China in their national statements, calling for solidarity and cooperation in rejection of confrontation and division. People can tell right and wrong. It has been proven that the despicable acts of accusing and pressuring other countries and interfering in others’ internal affairs by the US and a few other countries have made themselves unpopular. They are working against the will of the people and standing on the opposing side of the international community.

Ambassador Zhang emphasized that those countries’ clichés are completely untrue. China's achievements in human rights development are widely recognized, and not to be denied by their lies or deception. Their accusations are totally misplaced. On a land of 9.6 million square kilometers, there is no fear of war or displacement. 1.4 billion Chinese are living in peace, freedom and happiness. This is human rights protection in the best sense, and the best practice of human rights protection. With a people-centered approach, China has lifted 850 million people out of poverty. Giving top priority to life, China has adopted the most stringent and thorough epidemic prevention and control measures and achieved major victories in the fight against COVID-19. With a holistic approach, China has issued three National Human Rights Action Plans and formed a sound legal system for human rights protection. Upholding international fairness and justice, China opposes interference in internal affairs and speaks out for developing countries in defense of justice. China's adoption of effective measures to combat terrorism, safeguard national security and promote economic and social development is firmly supported by all Chinese and can stand the test of time and history.

Ambassador Zhang pointed out that their political scheme will never succeed. Developing countries have the right to defend their sovereignty, achieve development and maintain security. It is time that they wake up to the failure of their successive attempts. Blaming others won’t solve their problems, nor hide their failures. The US should better take a good look in the mirror at itself. In the middle of COVID-19 pandemic, what the US government needs is treating the sick and saving lives, not spreading the political virus or making troubles everywhere. The Third Committee should pay attention to racial discrimination and police violence in the US. The Committee should discuss the issue and adopt a resolution on it. The US should be held accountable for the massive casualties and refugees in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and give an answer to the world. The US has withdrawn from the Human Rights Council, refused to ratify human rights treaties, sanctioned ICC prosecutor and imposed unilateral sanctions on other countries. The country has absolutely no respect for the rule of law. I must also point out that, facing the poor human rights records of the US and of their own, Germany, the UK and a few other countries choose to engage in selective blindness and double standards, willingly follow the US and become its accomplices, which is sheer hypocrisy. They should immediately put away their arrogance and prejudice and pull back from the brink.

Ambassador Zhang said that human rights are not something exclusive to a few, much less a political tool. The western model is not the only model for human rights protection, and each country has the right to make an independent choice based on its own circumstances. China's human rights path is found by the Chinese people. Its human rights progress is achieved by the Chinese people. China welcomes equal-footed dialogue, but it firmly opposes interference in internal affairs, double standards and political confrontation. In the field of human rights, there is always room for improvement. China is ready to continue working with other countries in the spirit of equality, mutual respect, openness and inclusiveness to move towards the lofty ideal of “human rights for all”.

Pakistan made a joint statement on behalf of 55 countries, opposing interference in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of Hong Kong. The joint statement emphasized that the enactment of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a legitimate measure that ensures "one country, two systems" is steady and enduring and that Hong Kong enjoys long-term prosperity and stability. The legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents can be better guaranteed in a safe environment. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of China, and Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs that brook no interference by foreign forces.

Cuba made a joint statement on behalf of 45 countries, supporting China's counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures in Xinjiang. The joint statement expressed firm opposition to the politicization of human rights issues and double standards, and noted with appreciation that China has undertaken a series of measures in response to threats of terrorism and extremism in accordance with the law to safeguard the human rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The joint statement said that on Xinjiang-related issues, it is imperative to respect the basic facts rather than making unfounded allegations against China and interfering in China’s internal affairs out of political motivation and bias.

Kuwait made a joint statement on behalf of three Gulf states, opposing the politicization of human rights issues and interference in others’ internal affairs with the excuse of human rights.

The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly is the main committee that deliberates on human rights, social development and other issues. In October 2019, the US rallied some countries to take anti-China moves under the pretext of human rights, which ended in failure as a result of the firm opposition by a vast majority of countries.

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