Geneva resolution an attempt to undermine stability on the pretext of human rights – China

China’s Permanent Representative in Geneva Chen Xu calling for a vote on the Sri Lanka-related draft resolution alleged that the sponsors thereof ignored the efforts and achievements made by the government of Sri Lanka in promoting and protecting human rights as well as the will of the people of Sri Lanka. Ambassador Xu described the move as an attempt to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and undermine its development and stability under the pretext of human rights.

The following is the text of his speech issued by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo: “China commends the government of Sri Lanka for its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, advancing sustainable economic and social development, improving people’s living standards, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, advancing national reconciliation and combating terrorism, and congratulates the government of Sri Lanka on its achievements in the above-mentioned areas.

According to UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, the work of the Human Rights Council should be guided by principles of, among other things, universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. All parties should promote and protect human rights through genuine dialogue and cooperation, and refrain from double standards and politicization of human rights. We maintain that all countries should abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, respect the sovereignty and independence of other countries, and abandon the practice of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, and undermining their sovereignty and international cooperation under the pretext of human rights.

The sponsors of draft resolution L.1/Rev.1, ignoring the efforts and achievements made by the government of Sri Lanka in promoting and protecting human rights as well as the will of the people of Sri Lanka, attempt to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and undermine its development and stability under the pretext of human rights. It is by no means aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights, but a typical example of politicization of human rights. This dangerous trend should not be encouraged at the Human Rights Council. In order to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles established in General Assembly resolution 60/251, the Chinese delegation calls for a vote on draft resolution L.1/Rev.1 and will vote against it. We call on all members of the Human Rights Council to oppose this draft resolution.”