Mr. President, China has noted the concerns expressed in the High Commissioner’s Global Update regarding traditional and non-traditional challenges such as regional conflicts, inequality, climate change, and artificial intelligence.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Council and the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development. However, unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are surging as a countercurrent, multilateralism is facing headwinds, and the international human rights cause is facing severe challenges.

The current situation in the Middle East is particularly alarming at present. The military strikes against Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader constitute a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security. Such actions trample upon the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, undermine the basic norms governing international relations, and seriously violate the human rights of the Iranian people. China expresses deep concern over the spillover of the conflict to neighboring countries. The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all Gulf countries should also be fully respected. We call for an immediate cessation of military operations and return to dialogue and negotiation. We urge all parties to work together to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.

At this difficult moment, it is all the more imperative to defend the the UN-centered multilateral system, advance the three pillars of peace and security, development and human rights in a balanced manner, and stay committed to reforming and improving global human rights governance.

Guided by the human rights implications inherent in the Global Governance Initiative, China reaffirms its firm commitment to multilateralism and stands ready to work with all parties to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause. China calls for:

First, safeguard human rights through security. Security is humanity’s most fundamental need. Without peace and stability, human rights are out of the question. Only by earnestly respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and following the path of peaceful development can we create a peaceful environment for the realization of human rights.

Second, uphold a people-centered approach. Human rights are not the privilege of a few, but the rights of the broad masses of the people. Safeguarding the interests and well-being of the people should remain the fundamental starting point and ultimate goal. We should strike a balance between individual rights and collective rights, and advance all categories of human rights in a balanced manner.

Third, advance human rights through equality. Human rights are the common values of human society. All countries should conduct dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and no party should claim superiority on human rights issues. All parties should reject the mindset of political confrontation, cooperate in addressing new issues such as artificial intelligence and climate change-related human rights, and inject positive energy into global human rights governance.

China has always attached great importance to respecting and protecting human rights and is always ready to play a ligger role in the international human rights cause. Whether it is domestic, national, or global affairs, ensuring that people live a happy life is of paramount importance. The year 2026 marks the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, and the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference are about to convene. China will continue to develop the whole-process people’s democracy, ensure that the achievements of Chinese modernization deliver more benefits to its people. China stands ready to work with all countries to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.