File Photo: VCG

Speaking on behalf of more than 30 countries at the General Debate of the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged the protection of countries' rights to choose independently their path for development, in opposition to interference in other countries' internal affairs, unilateral sanctions without basis in international law, and the politicization and marginalization of the development issue.

Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva, elaborated on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reverses global development gains, hinders the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and exacerbates inequalities within and among countries.

The group of countries calls on all parties to pursue people-centered development so as to ensure that development gains are enjoyed on a larger scale and in a more equitable way, allowing those in vulnerable and marginalized situations to have equal access to the basic rights such as education, health care, housing and decent jobs, leaving no one behind and achieving higher-quality development that is more efficient, equitable, sustainable, and secure.

Chen noted that all parties should enhance global solidarity and take inclusive measures to combat the pandemic, advance post-pandemic recovery, and ensure equitable access to vaccines and medicines. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda should, taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities, continue to be a priority on the international cooperation agenda to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on schedule..

Developed countries should take more practical measures and international financial institutions should avoid austerity policies that impede the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, he said.

Chen noted that the UN Human Rights Mechanisms should put more emphasis on the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights and elimination of inequalities, and provide effective assistance based on the consent of the countries concerned.