Over 100 countries oppose politicization of human rights issues at UNHRC

GENEVA, Sept. 25, (Xinhua) — Over 100 countries voiced their support for China’s position and opposed the politicization of human rights at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday.
In response to criticism of China’s human rights record from the United States and a small group of other nations, Cuba, representing nearly 80 countries, reaffirmed the importance of respecting national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as fundamental principles of international relations.
Cuba’s remark underscored that matters related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Xizang are China’s internal affairs and should not be politicized.
Rejecting double standards and the use of human rights as a pretext for interference in the domestic affairs of other nations, the group of countries represented by Cuba call for adherence to the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity outlined in the UN Charter, as well as respect for each nation’s right to determine its own path to development.
Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights through Dialogue and Cooperation. He emphasized concerns over the growing politicization and polarization within the UNHRC, stressing that it should not serve as a venue for confrontation but rather as a platform for building trust and fostering cooperation through dialogue.
Uganda, representing the Non-Aligned Movement, Venezuela, speaking for the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, and Gambia, representing the African Group, also voiced their support for China.
They called for objective assessments of countries’ human rights situations and urged dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect, while rejecting selective practices and double standards. They strongly condemned the politicization, instrumentalization, and weaponization of human rights issues.
The Chinese delegation further outlined China’s efforts to protect human rights, while exposing serious human rights violations in countries such as the United States. They urged these countries to take concrete actions to protect human rights and contribute positively to the international human rights cause. ■