Speaking in a joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, Chinese diplomat Ma Zhaoxu stressed on Friday that the entrenchment of human rights in national policy directives can only be achieved through thorough development initiatives.
"When people talk about Human Rights, they tend to overlook the importance of and the critical role played by development in the promotion and protection of human rights," he said in a general debate of the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) which kicked off on Tuesday.
"Development is vital to national well-being and people's livelihood. Its ultimate goal is the improvement and enhancement of people's quality of life, the upholding of human dignity, the realization of human values, and the better protection and promotion of human rights," he added.
While lauding the progress made by countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Ma reminded that many socio-economic gaps remained to be bridged.
In light of this, the official signaled that eradicating poverty and hunger as well as alarming wealth disparities should be done by following the principles and goals laid out in the UN Charter and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
"The essence of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is, through the implementation of 17 goals, to achieve sustainable economic, social and environmental development, as well as the enjoyment of human rights by all," the diplomat explained.
"That fully embodies the significant contributing role of sustainable development to human rights," he added.
He also put forward a number of points aiming to help the international community promote human rights through specific guidelines which should follow a people-centered development approach respecting the diversity of development models.
He advised the international community to encourage dialogue and cooperation, support developing countries in capacity building while promoting the universal realization of development and human rights of people in all countries.
Finally, he urged member states to remain committed to the process of promoting and protecting human rights at every stage of development.
Created in 2006, the HRC is an inter-governmental body working to promote and protect human rights around the globe through thematic discussions and structured recommendations.
The 33rd session of the HRC started on Sept. 13 and will end on Sept. 30.
