Joint Statement Delivered by H.E.Ambassador CHEN Xu on behalf of more than 30 countries at the General Debate of Item 3 at the 51stSession of the Human Rights Council
2022-09-21 15:44

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of a group of countries. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic reverses global development gains, hinders the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and exacerbates inequalities within and among countries.

We call on all parties to pursue people-centered development so as to ensure that development gains are enjoyed on a larger scale and in a more equitable way, especially those in vulnerable and marginalized situations to have equal access to the basic rights such as education, health care, housing and decent jobs, leaving no one behind and achieving higher-quality development that is more efficient, equitable, sustainable, and secure.

We call on all parties to enhance global solidarity and take inclusive measures to combat the pandemic, advance post-pandemic recovery, and ensure equitable access to vaccines and medicines. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda should, taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities, continue to be a priority on the international cooperation agenda to realize the 17 SDGs on schedule. Developed countries should take more practical measures and international financial institutions should avoid austerity policies which impede the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.

We call on the the UN Human Rights Mechanisms to put more emphasis on the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights and elimination of inequalities, and to provide effective assistance based on the consent of countries concerned. The HRC and OHCHR should protect the rights of all countries to choose independently the path for development, and oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs, unilateral sanctions without basis in international law, and the politicization and marginalization of the development issue.

Thank you, Mr. President.