China will continue upholding true multilateralism to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution on "Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities."
The resolution calls for thematic discussions and interactive dialogues at the UNHRC, and encourages the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) to strengthen its work on economic, social and cultural rights.
"The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday adopted by consensus the resolution on 'Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities' submitted by China on behalf of nearly 70 countries, including Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan, and South Africa. The resolution calls for stronger multilateralism and international cooperation and efforts of fully leveraging the role of the knowledge hub for economic, social and cultural rights, which was established under China's proposal, so as to better provide technical assistance and capacity-building support for countries in need," said Guo.
"Representatives of various countries extended their congratulations to China. Developing countries said that the resolution reflects the real needs of people around the world and serves as a strong response to the developing countries' call for greater input into economic, social and cultural rights. China will continue upholding true multilateralism, enhancing dialogue and cooperation with all sides based on equality and mutual respect and helping to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause," he said.
China to continue upholding true multilateralism to promote sound development of int'l human rights cause: spokesman
Voting for the election of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) concluded on Sunday night.
Voting for the election began at 07:30 a.m. local time on Sunday. More than 600 polling stations were opened across Hong Kong, serving approximately 4.13 million registered voters.
Long queues had already formed outside multiple polling stations across Hong Kong before the polls opened. At polling station entrances, staff and volunteers attentively assisted voters with the procedures. Some voters posed for a photo holding a thank-you card given by staff after casting their ballot.
"As a Hong Kong citizen, I think it's my responsibility to vote, and I don't want to give up my rights. That's why I come here to support," a voter said.
"We actually flew in from Thailand. Learning today is a special day to vote, we actually canceled all our appointments and canceled everything, and we flew in with the whole family just to be part of Hong Kong and to vote, and to cast our vote and be part of the community," said another voter.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee cast his ballot at around 08:30 a.m. at Raimondi College on Robinson Road. He said that the LegCo election is of great importance to Hong Kong's overall development and future reforms, and it also represents the expectations of Hong Kong society.
A number of voters said they look forward to the new term of the Legislative Council taking greater responsibility in advancing Hong Kong's economy, society, and public welfare.
"I think an area of focus I'd like to see is, one is the economy, and secondly is youth mobility and youth policies. I think youth are the future, and it's very important to get unity within the youth and also give us hope, right? The youth in general -- what can we do to, for us as youth, to partake in civil society and to show our responsibility, but also from the government, like, what kind of policy that can help us do that as well," said a young voter.
"I hope that there will be more fair education in the sense that even people from the poor family, they can actually receive good education in good schools," another voter said.
The new term of LegCo will be composed of 90 members, including 40 elected by the Election Committee, 30 elected by functional constituencies, and 20 elected by geographical constituencies through direct elections.
The eighth-term LegCo of the HKSAR will commence its four-year term on Jan 1, 2026.
Voting for 8th-term HKSAR LegCo election concludes
