Ambassador Chen Xu

On Tuesday, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed China's resolution on "The contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights" at the 47th session, which emphasizes the right to development and that the aim of development is to improve the well-being of the people.

"As the eternal theme of human society, development is the key to resolving all problems. Only with greater development can human rights be better promoted and protected," Ambassador Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said in a speech on Monday when introducing the draft resolution. 

"Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, causing a severe impact on the economy and social development as well as human rights in all countries. In the face of these serious challenges, we need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and work together to defeat the pandemic. At the same time, we need to vigorously promote sustainable development and, in particular, step up efforts to reduce poverty so as to overcome the negative impact of the pandemic on the life of people in all countries," said Chen. 

The resolution calls upon all states to realize development of the people, by the people and for the people. It recognizes that development and the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and calls upon all countries to promote sustainable development so as to promote equal opportunity for development, said Chen.

Representatives from many countries, including Venezuela, Cuba and Pakistan, also made speeches to appreciate China for delivering this important draft resolution and stressed development should be the focus of every country, especially developing countries. All countries should work together to promote sustainable development, eliminate poverty and inequality, and protect human rights.