Mr. President,

As mandated by the Human Rights Council resolution 54/22 on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities, a panel discussion on the same topic will be held under agenda item 3 of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council on 11 September from 3 to 5 p.m. China, on behalf of the core group consisting of Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan, South Africa and itself, has the honour to introduce the panel discussion.

The purpose of the panel discussion is to discuss the reinforcement of the work to promote and protect economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities, to encourage Member States, relevant United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders, to share achievements, best practices and challenges, and to identify ways in which the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights can contribute to the efforts of States to promote and protect economic social and cultural rights in accordance with its mandate.

The meeting will feature an opening statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and a panel of four representatives from Member States, United Nations human rights mechanisms, NGOs and national human rights institutions. Due consideration has been given to geographical representation and gender balance in the composition of the panelists. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will prepare a summary report on the panel discussion for submission to the Human Rights Council at its sixtieth session, which will be followed by an interactive dialogue.

The concept note for the panel discussion has been uploaded onto the extranet. We thank the OHCHR for its preparatory work and welcome the active participation of all parties in order to fully exchange views and enhance consensus on this important issue.

Thank you, Mr. President.