Countries must follow path of human rights development suited to national conditions: Chinese envoy

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 24, 2019 -- A Chinese envoy said here Tuesday that countries must follow a path of human rights development suited to national conditions, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

"Countries need to bear in mind the practical circumstances, consider both universality and specialty, and strive to find a tailored and effective model of promoting and protecting human rights," Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), told the UN General Assembly's Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs Committee.

Speaking of China's position and proposals on human rights, Zhang said that promoting and protecting human rights is "the common ideal of humanity," adding "there is still a long way to go in the journey towards common development and human rights enjoyed by all."

The ambassador said that countries must remain committed to building a peaceful international environment. "Countries should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect others' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, resolve disputes through political dialogue and consultation, and work together to build a world of lasting peace and universal security."

Urging countries to build a solid foundation for development, he said they should "step up efforts to implement the (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, always put people first, focus on poverty reduction, earnestly safeguard and improve people's well-being, uphold social equity and justice, and ensure that no one is left behind."

"For developing countries, rights to survival and development should be the top priority and the basis for promoting all human rights in a balanced manner," said Zhang.

He also noted the importance of extensive consultations, joint contributions and shared benefits, adding: "All countries are equal despite their sizes. All countries' independent choices of development path and human rights protection model should be respected."

"One must not interfere in others' internal affairs or impose one's own will onto others," he said. "Efforts should be made to promote mutual learning and harmonious co-existence among civilizations, and leave no room for hate speech claiming racial supremacy and clash of civilizations."

Zhang pledged that China will continue to take part in international human rights cooperation and constructively seek common progress and development with all countries "in an open, inclusive, candid and cooperative spirit."