The Standing Committee of National People's Congress of China has made the decision to ratify International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (01/03/2001)
2004-03-09 11:42
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Q: It is learnt that the Standing Committee of National People's
Congress of China has made the decision to ratify the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. What is your
comment?
A: The 20th Session of the Standing Committee of the 9th National
People's Congress (NPC) adopted by vote the decision of the NPC
Standing Committee on ratifying the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is one of the most influential
international instruments on human rights. Ratifying the Covenant
is a major step taken by China in the field of human rights at the
start of the new century, which is of far-reaching significance.
The Chinese Government has all along respected the universal
principle of human rights. After long-term exploration and
unremitting efforts, we have found the right path to promoting and
developing human rights that suits China's national conditions. In
recent years, China has witnessed sustained, rapid and healthy
economic growth, deepening reform, and all-round social progress.
With the successful completion of the Ninth Five-Year Plan, the
overall living standard of the Chinese people has further improved,
achieving two historic leaps from poverty to a life with just
sufficient food and clothing and then to a relatively comfortable
life. A basic framework of social security network has taken
initial shape. Great achievements have been scored in the
reemployment programme. New breakthroughs have been made in the
reform of the housing system. There has been comprehensive
development in social undertakings in the fields of culture,
education, science and technology, TV, radio and film industry,
press and publishing, public health and sports. In the promotion
and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, China has
made fresh achievements that have drawn the attention of the world.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
has extensive content that covers various aspects of economic and
social life in China. China has completed within a relative short
period of time the series of legal procedures from signing to
ratifying the Covenant. This fully demonstrates the consistent
principled position of China committing itself to the promotion and
protection of human rights and active engagement in international
cooperation in the field of human rights. It also reflects the firm
resolution and confidence of China in safeguarding full enjoyment of
various economic, social, and cultural rights by its citizens.