Chinese FM Spokeswoman on Ratification of Int'l CovenantThe ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by China's top legislature is a major step China has taken to protect human rights, foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Wednesday."It has a profound meaning," Zhang added, in response to a reporter's question on the ratification of the covenant by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Wednesday. "The Chinese government has always respected the general principle of human rights," she said. "We have found the right path suited to China's circumstances in promoting and developing human rights." In recent years, China's economy has developed rapidly and is very healthy and is sustainable. The reforms have deepened constantly and the country witnessed all-round social progress, Zhang said. The goal of the Ninth Five-Year Plan Period was accomplished, and the living standard has generally improved with two historical transitions, first from being poor to having adequate food and clothing, then from having adequate food and clothing to being comparatively well-off, she said. In addition, she said, the basic framework of the social security system has taken shape, the re-employment project has made great achievements, and housing reforms has made a new breakthrough. Meanwhile, culture, education, science and technology, broadcasting, film and television, media and publication, health care, sports and other social undertakings have developed comprehensively. "China has internationally acknowledged new achievements in promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights," the spokeswoman said. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has a wide range of contents, covering various sectors of China's economic and social life. The fact that China has completed a series of legal procedures from signing to ratifying the covenant fully demonstrates China's consistent stand on devoting itself to promoting and protecting human rights and actively carrying out cooperation in the area of human rights, and reflects China's firm determination and confidence in safeguarding various economic, social and cultural rights for citizens, she said. |
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