Statement by H. E. Ambassador QIAO Zonghuai, Head of the Chinese Delegation, on Organization of Work (Item 3) at the 57th Session of the Commission on Human Rights(20/03/2001)
2003-11-25 10:36
(March 20, 2001) |
Mr.
Chairman,
At the outset I wish to congratulate
you warmly for your elelction to the chairmanship of the
57th session of the Commission on Human
Rights.
The Chinese delegation associates
itself fully with the statements made by the distinguished
ambassadors of India and Malaysia on the organization of
work. In this new century, the Commission should embark on
its work with a positive approach and constructive working
methods, in order to realise the fair and effective
promotion and protection of human rights. To this end, we
would like to make the following observations and
proposals:
1. Advocating the principle of
equality, democracy and mutual respect The realization
of peace, development and human rights is a purpose
enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and
sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs
are important principles contained in the Charter. For many
years a few countries persisted in taking on the role of
humanh rights “judges”, patronizing and pointing
their fingers at others while ignoring or turning away from
their own problems. This approach is in contravention to the
spirit of the Charter and democratic principles and should
thus be rejected by the Commission.
2.
Eschewing “Cold War” mentality and replacing
confrontation with dialogue The Commission should be a
forum where the exchange of views and experiences on human
rights issues can be carried out in a calm and dispassionate
way. Certain countries, however, still cling to their
“Cold War” mentality and confrontational
approach, going so far as to bringing their own domestic
politics and party disputes into the Commission. This can
only serve to tarnish the credibility of the Commission and
poison its working atmosphere. We strongly appeal to these
countries to give up politicisation and confrontation so as
to return to the right track of dialogue and
cooperation.
3. Putting more emphasis on
social, economic and cultural rights For many years a
lack of even-handed treatment in the Commission has resulted
in the preponderance of civil and political rights and the
lesser importance given to social, economic and cultural
rights and the right to development. More initiatives should
therefore be taken in determining agenda items, allotting
time for their consideration, deciding on the number of
resolutions and the setting up of mechanisms, in order to
make up for the lack of balance.
4. Preparation
for the Commission’s meeting We have heard
complaints from many countries that the late issuance of
Commission documents affected their effective participations
in the discussions of relevant items. We hope that the
Secretariat would show more concern to this problem and
settle it by adopting the appropriate
measures.
Taking the practices of and results
from other bodies in the U.N. system as reference, we think
that the Commission on Human Rights should reduce its
session to 4 weeks. But as a first step, the Commission
should take the necessary measures to enhance its
efficiency. Furthermore, the Rules of Procedure applied to
the Commssion was adopted by the ECOSOC in 1947. Any
revision to the Rules can only be made by the ECOSOC. States
should have the right, pursuant to the Rules of Procedures,
to raise any procedural issue prior to its revision. This
will guarantee the normal functioning of the
Commission’s work and prevent those acts which are
politically motivated. Besides, opposing the application of
Rules of Procedure does not conform to the principle of rule
of law.
5. Participation of NGOs The
Chinese government attaches importance to the participation
of non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the Commission
because they can contribute to the Commission’s work.
NGOs’ activities in the Commission must, however, be
conducted in accordance with ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 and
other relevant resolutions of the U.N. and be in compliance
with the relevant rules and regulations. They must neither
abuse their consultative status, nor act against the
principles and purposes of the Charter.
Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
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