GENEVA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- On behalf of 139 countries, China on Friday called for full realization of the right to development at the ongoing 42nd session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council here.
"Development is the eternal theme of human society and the key to solving all problems. The human history, especially the success experience of developing countries, shows how critical development is for the realization and enjoyment of human rights," Chen Xu, head of the Chinese Mission to UN at Geneva, told the council.
"Currently, unilateralism and protectionism are gaining ground, eroding mutual trust and coordination among countries; development across countries remains uneven, lopsided and inadequate; poverty and hunger have not yet been eradicated. The right to development is not yet fully guaranteed around the world," the Chinese ambassador said.
"We should adhere to the Declaration on the Right to Development to realize the right to development, promote innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, guarantee the people's equal right to participate in development, and ensure a life of dignity for all," he added.
Stressing that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal, Chen said that in order to lift humanity out of poverty as soon as possible and promote and protect human rights, the international community should uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, work for the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
The international community should also focus the efforts on meeting people's aspiration for a better life and achieve development of the people, by the people and for the people, Chen said.
What is also needed to be done is to adhere to people-centered development approach, draw strength from people, and ensure that the fruits of development benefit all people in an equal manner.
Additionally, he said, the international community should make real progress in improving the people's livelihood, ensuring their equal participation in development and protecting the rights of women, children, the elderly and the disabled.
In order to fully realize the right to development, the Chinese diplomat also called the international community to promote equality, inclusiveness, mutual trust and learning, and win-win cooperation, fulfill the commitments to development and human rights and build a community with a shared future for humanity.
