Joint Statement Delivered by Ambassador Chen Xu
on Behalf of a Group of Countries at Item 8 General Debate at the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council
(March 18)
Mr. Vice President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of a group of countries. Non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states is a core principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and a basic norm governing international relations. The work of the Human Rights Council shall be guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation, according to Operative Paragraph 4 of General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which established this subsidiary body. We maintain that all sides should promote and protect human rights through genuine dialogue and cooperation. We oppose politicization of human rights and double standards. We reject acts of interference in other countries' internal affairs, undermining their sovereignty and international cooperation under the dishonest pretext of human rights out of political motivations. We call on States to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect the sovereignty and independence of others and, in the spirit of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, jointly promote international cooperation in the field of human rights and abandon politicization of human rights and interference in other countries internal affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.