Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese delegation is pleased to note that thanks to the continuous efforts by the international community, national governments and the civil society, further progress has been achieved in the promotion and protection of the rights of the child. The Chinese delegation would like to express its appreciation to the relevant UN agencies, governments and the civil society for their efforts dedicated to children.

At the same time, we are also aware that in many parts of the world, the life and health of children continue to suffer and their rights continue to be violated because of poverty, hunger, disease, disasters, child labor, drugs, sexual exploitation, war and conflicts. The global cause of protecting the rights of the child still faces many challenges. Therefore, the international community should cooperate closely and take effective measures to eliminate the root causes of the violation of the rights of the child.

Mr. Chairman,

Following the principle of “children first”, the Chinese government has implemented development strategies that put children as a priority and worked to ensure children’s right to life, development, protection and participation. Over the years, China has been working to improve its legislation on the protection of the rights of the child, and has set up a rather comprehensive legal system in this area. This year is the last year in the implementation of the “Outline for the Development of Children in China (2001-2010)”. The final evaluation of the implementation will begin next year. Judging from the data collected so far, the objectives and tasks set out in the “Outline” have been basically accomplished. Preparations are already underway for a new ten-year outline.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the significant role of international human rights instruments in promoting and protecting the rights of the child, and has acceded to a series of international treaties aimed at protecting the rights of the child. On 26 December 2009, China acceded to the “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime”. Previously, China had acceded to the “Convention on the Rights of the Child” and its two optional protocols, the “Convention Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor” and the “Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption”. Furthermore, in December 2009, China attended the first meeting of the working group tasked with drafting an optional protocol to the Convention of the Rights of the Child on communication procedure and took an active part in all its deliberations.

The Chinese government has fulfilled in good faith all its treaty obligations and carefully prepared periodic reports in accordance with treaty provisions. This year, China submitted its third and fourth combined report on the implementation of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child”. Its first report on the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict will soon be completed and submitted. The above-mentioned reports contain a systematic and comprehensive description of the efforts made by China in recent years in implementing the relevant treaties, protecting the rights of the child .

The Chinese government has long carried out effective cooperation with UNICEF and other international agencies. Positive results have been achieved in the implementation of projects in priority areas for children’s development such as advocacy for knowledge about children, policy development, health and nutrition, education, child protection and community service, combating HIV/AIDS, disaster prevention, development of children in poor areas, advocacy and communication, as well as dissemination of knowledge.

Mr. Chairman,

China is a developing country with a huge child population. The Chinese government recognizes that it still has a long way to go before enabling our children to fully enjoy all their rights. My government has been working continuously to strengthen the child protection mechanism which, with the government taking the lead and participation and monitoring by all sectors of the society. Incessant efforts have also been made to improve the child welfare system, and promote equal education opportunities and balanced development. China will continue to shoulder its international responsibilities, actively engage in international cooperation, and work together with the international community to strive for the full and timely achievement of the MDGs and for a "world fit for children".

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.