China Pushes Multilateralism at UN Human Rights Council Session

At the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Li Xiaomei of China’s delegation seized the general debate to honor the 20th anniversary of the body’s founding on March 15. Her speech laid bare the crises gripping global human rights efforts.

With multilateralism battered by extraordinary pressures, regional unrest is jeopardizing peace and spawning violations and disasters, Li noted. She decried the surge in politicizing rights, treating them as bargaining chips, and applying double standards.

Li lambasted the council’s review processes for zeroing in on developing nations with lavish spending, neglecting issues ripe for honest evaluation. This disparity erodes trust in the institution.

On this milestone occasion, she pressed for renewed emphasis on equality, respect, conversation, and teamwork to drive meaningful human rights progress.

Complementing the session, a March 17 side event by the Chinese NGO Network (CNIE) and the permanent mission marked 40 years of the Right to Development Declaration. Themed ‘Scientific Approaches to Human Rights Issues,’ it hosted about 100 representatives.

Deep dives explored digital advancements for development, climate and health threats, digital divides, and NGOs’ involvement.

Li stressed China’s resolve to champion development rights, advocating collaboration on justice and multilateral principles for humanity’s common future.

Peers hailed China’s dynamic engagement in cooperation and tech innovation, affirming its leadership.