On October 5, the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted by consensus the draft resolution entitled “promoting accessibility for the full enjoyment of all human rights by all” proposed by China on behalf of 47 countries.

Ambassador Jia Guide, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, stated during his introductory remarks that building an accessible environment provides important safeguards for people from all groups to participate equally and conveniently in social life and to fully enjoy their human rights. This draft resolution seeks to promote accessibility and age-friendly environment in the context of  population ageing. It also focuses on the opportunites and challenges arising from emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and calls upon all countries to priority innovation, inclusiveness, openness, fairness, safety and security in the development and use of emerging digital technologies, with a view to enhancing the accessibility of information and communications.

Representatives of Cuba, Egypt and Gambia, among others, spoke in support of the resolution. They commended China for actively promoting the concept of “accessibility for all” and moving forward the accessibility cause. The draft resolution calls upon providing technical assistance for developing countries and promoting international cooperation in relevant fields, in line with the needs of developing countries. Following the adoption of the resolution, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Permanent Representatives of multiple countries congratulated China on the adoption of the resolution.

In 2024, the HRC adopted, for the first time, a resolution under the same title proposed by China, marking the first thematic resolution on accessibility in United Nations history. This year marks the first anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the Global Governance Initiative, and the third anniversary of the introduction of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Developing Barrier-Free Environments. The HRC once again adopted the resolution on Accessibility for All, proposed by China and other countries, which is of great significance for the international community in further promoting and protecting the human rights of all groups, actively addressing population ageing, and strengthening global governance and standard-setting in related areas.