Joint Statement Delivered by H.E.Ambassador CHEN Xu on behalf of a group of Like-mindedCountries on Promoting Multilateralism in the Field of Human Rightsat the 50thsession of the Human Rights council
2022-06-14 18:33

Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of a group of countries. We are deeply concerned that in recent years, the Human Rights Council has become increasingly politicized and confrontational, and disinformation has become rampant, which seriously runs counter to the original purpose of the Human Rights Council.

Multilateral human rights mechanisms should serve as a platform for cooperation and dialogue, rather than a venue for division and confrontation. All parties should promote multilateralism in the field of human rights, uphold the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization, and jointly promote the sound development of the international human rights cause. We wish to highlight the following points:

First, Equity and justice. Multilateral human rights mechanisms should abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, promote the common values of humanity, and oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues, double standards, as well as interference in the internal affairs of Member States under the pretext of human rights.

Second, openness and inclusiveness. Solidarity needs to be strengthened, while constructive dialogue and cooperation be carried out on the basis of equality and mutual respect. We should make efforts to expand common understanding, reduce differences, promote mutual learning and seek progress together.

Third, objectivity and impartiality. Multilateral human rights mechanisms need to work on the basis of authentic and objective information, respect the sovereignty of States and the human rights development path chosen by each country in light of its national conditions, and provide technical assistance with the consent of the countries concerned.

Fourth, geographical equity. The staff composition of multilateral human rights mechanisms, including the OHCHR and Special Procedures, should reflect the principle of equitable geographical distribution, and absorb more talents from developing countries, so as to make multilateral human rights mechanisms truly representative.

Thank you, Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner.

China,Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Cuba, DPRK, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, the Republic of Congo, Turkmenistan, UAE, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe