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China Works Harder to Promote Human Rights: Expert
A Chinese human rights expert said that the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Wednesday by China's top legislative body the Chinese government's commitment to abiding by the general principles of international norms on human rights.
It also signaled that "China is ready to make greater efforts to promote and protect the healthy development of human rights across the world," said Zhou Jue, China's former ambassador to France and president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies (CSHRS).
He said he believed that political stability and the booming economy in China have created a favorable environment for the implementation of the covenant, adding that the ratification " accords with the long-term and fundamental interests of the Chinese people."
As one of the most substantial international instruments on human rights, the covenant was adopted by the United Nations on December 26, 1966, and so far has been ratified by some 142 countries worldwide.
After the signing of the covenant by the Chinese government on October 27, 1997, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress reviewed the bill for three times.
The expert said that he believed that China is very efficient, especially compared with the United States, as the latter signed the covenant 24 years ago but has not yet ratified it.
Zhou said that the main contents of the convent are consistent with China's relevant laws, regulations and practices, as well as its objectives of reform, opening up and building socialism with Chinese characteristics, adding that the Chinese government will take concrete actions to make sure every Chinese citizen enjoys all the rights stipulated in the covenant.
In consideration of China's peculiar culture and history, China 's law-making body issued a statement Wednesday, announcing that the Chinese government will deal with certain articles of the covenant in line with Chinese reality.
"This is in accordance with certain regulations of international law, and also signals the earnest attitude of the Chinese government." he said.
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