From Chinese Mission to the United Nations
Statement by Special Representative for Human Rights of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Mme Liu Hua at the Third Committee of the UNGA
Mr. Chair,
The question of Palestine is the root cause of the Middle East issue, and must be placed at the heart of the international agenda. China is seriously concerned about the recent impact of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the local people. China calls upon both Palestine and Israel to maintain calm and restraint, to respect the right to life of people of two sides, and to avoid resorting to force or excessive use of force as well as indiscriminate attack on innocent civilians. China believes that the resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council on protecting the rights of the Palestinian people should be effectively implemented. China is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Palestine and calls on relevant parties to lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip as soon as possible so as to create necessary conditions for Palestine to develop its economy and improve people’s livelihood.
There should be no more regression from the two-state solution and the “land for peace” principle, which represent a bottom line of international justice. For the Palestinian people, to establish an independent state is their inalienable right, something that should not be used as a bargaining chip. The international community, especially those have influence on both sides, should adhere to the general direction of the two-state solution, implement the international consensus and guidelines including relevant UN resolutions and the “land for peace” principle. The international community should work for the consensus of all parties, and listen to relevant parties especially the Palestinian side’s views and propositions, in the spirit of being responsible to the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and responsible for peace in the Middle East, pushing the Palestinian issue back to the correct track of resolving differences through equal dialogue and negotiations.
China always firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in their efforts to restore their legitimate rights and supports all efforts to ease the situation in Palestine and Israel and realize the two-state plan at the earliest possible time. China is willing to work with the international community to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible.
Mr. Chair,
China welcomes the efforts and progress made by the Iranian Government to promote and protect human rights, and appreciates the enactment of relevant laws to protect the rights of child, youth and persons with disabilities. China understands the challenges faced by Iran as a developing country in promoting and protecting human rights, and is concerned about the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on Iran’s human rights situation. China hopes the international community to treat the human rights situation in Iran objectively and impartially and to carry out constructive dialogue and cooperation with Iran. With the current escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region, China proposes for the Iranian nuclear issue to return to the track of comprehensive agreement as soon as possible, to promote the Gulf countries to build a platform for dialogue and consultation, and to promote countries beyond the region to play a positive role in promoting regional security.
China has always advocated constructive dialogue and cooperation among all countries in the field of human rights, handling differences in an appropriate way, and jointly seeking effective ways to promote and protect human rights.
Mr. Chair,
China welcomes the sustained stability of the political and security situation in Burundi and appreciates the series of initiatives taken by the government of Burundi in the areas of economic, social and human rights protection, and efforts made to implement the “Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement”. China welcomes the positive role played by relevant regional organizations for mediation and conciliation. The 2020 election in Burundi have attracted the attention of all parties. The international community should fully respect the ownership of Burundi and not interfere in its internal affairs.
China has consistently advocated resolution of differences in the field of human rights through constructive dialogue and cooperation. We oppose exerting pressure on other countries in the name of human rights, or politicizing human rights issues, or the establishment of country specific mechanisms without the consent of the parties concerned. The Chinese side has noted the repeated opposition of the Burundian government to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi. Under such circumstances, forcing sovereign state to cooperate with the commission of inquiry or accept its proposals will only lead to confrontation and further complicate the issue.
Mr. Chair,
In recent years, with joint efforts of the Somali government, the African Union, the United Nations and the international community, the national reconstruction of Somali continued to achieve positive progress. China supports the efforts of the Somali government to promote political reconciliation, restore its economy and improve people’s livelihood. At the same time, Somalia still faces many challenges in its political process and economic and social development. Terrorism remains a threat to the regional security. There is still a long way to go to achieve lasting peace and national reconstruction in Somalia.
China has consistently supported the peace process and has provided assistance within its capability. China has provided humanitarian assistance, human resource training to Somalia and facilitated students from Somalia to study in China, support Somalia in raising its capacity for achieving self development and consolidating its peace and stability. In joint efforts with the international community, China will continue to promote greater progress in peace and reconstruction in Somali, so as to maintain regional peace and stability. China encourages the Independent Expert to conduct full consultation with the Somali government and play a constructive role in promoting and protecting the human rights of the Somali people.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
