Joint Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Chen Xu on Behalf of over 100 Countries at the Item 3 General Debate of the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council

(March 9, 2021)

Madam President,

    I have the honor to speak on behalf of a group of countries.

    Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, making a severe impact on the economy, society and people’s livelihoods of all countries, and exacerbating inequality. The poor and vulnerable groups are the hardest hit. We recognize that the COVID-19 global pandemic requires a global response that is people-centered, gender-responsive, with full respect for human rights, multidimensional, coordinated, inclusive and innovative, based on unity, solidarity and multilateral cooperation.

    First, efforts should be made to protect the right to life and right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. It is essential to deepen international cooperation on the prevention and control of the pandemic, enhance information sharing and joint prevention and control. Particularly, we need to strengthen cooperation on vaccine research and development, production and distribution, making vaccine truly an accessible and affordable public good for the people of all countries, especially developing countries.

    Second, we need to promote sustainable development, step up efforts to alleviate poverty with the aim of eliminating all forms of poverty and improving people’s living standards. All human rights, including the right to food, right to education, right to adequate housing and right to decent work should be fully protected. International development cooperation should be promoted to ensure that people of all countries equally share the opportunities and gains of development.

    Third, measures should be taken to strengthen social security system. It is critical to provide necessary social services to vulnerable and marginalized groups, helping them overcome the negative impact of the pandemic. Efforts should be redoubled to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as well as stigmatization, hate speech, and violence so as to create an equal and inclusive society.

    International cooperation, multilateralism and solidarity is the only effective way for the world to tackle global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We call on all states to strengthen solidarity and work together to respond to global challenges and promote development and prosperity.

    Thank you, Madam President.