Chinese envoy puts forward proposals on upholding int'l rule of law

A Chinese envoy on Thursday put forward a six-point proposal, calling for strengthening global governance and advocating international rule of law.

Speaking at the deliberation of the Sixth Committee of the United Nations 80th Session on "the rule of law at the national and international levels", China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang said the international rule of law is facing severe challenges and tests as unilateralism and hegemonic acts are getting increasingly rampant.

Addressing global challenges calls for multilateralism and international rule of law, said Geng, adding that abandoning the law of the jungle and achieving international fairness and justice have become a common consensus among all parties.

Under this circumstance, China proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calling for strengthening global governance, especially advocating for upholding the international rule of law, said Geng

Geng put forward a six-point proposal under the guidance of the GGI to outline China's position and proposition on the international rule of law.

First, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are universally recognized basic norm in international relations and constitute the core essence of international rule of law.

Second, the international legislation must respect the diversity of civilizations and the multiplicity of legal systems, ensure equal participation of all countries, and especially enhance the voice of the Global South countries.

Third, sovereign equality is the foundation of modern international law.

Fourth, the observance of treaties is a fundamental principle of international law, and all countries should fulfill their obligations in good faith with a responsible attitude.

Fifth, all parties should accelerate the formulation of international rules in emerging and non-traditional security fields, and promote the formation of an international cooperation and governance framework in these fields that reflects real needs, solves practical problems and serves the common interests of all countries.

Sixth, peaceful settlement of disputes is a fundamental principle of international rule of law, and mediation is one of the dispute settlement methods stipulated in the UN Charter.

"China is willing to work with all countries to observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the international order underpinned by international law, practice multilateralism, improve global governance, and push for greater democracy and rule of law in international relations, so as to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity," said Geng.

Chinese envoy puts forward proposals on upholding int'l rule of law

Efforts are underway in Gaza City to salvage what remains of the territory's cultural heritage after nearly two years of war.

At the ruins of the Great Omari Mosque, Gaza's oldest and largest mosque, Palestinian workers have been clearing and sorting stones dating back more than 1,200 years using basic tools.

"The Great Omari Mosque represents the heart and soul of Gaza City, and Palestine as a whole. The value of these stones is not in their size, but in their deep and layered historical significance," said Husni Al-Mazloom, manager of the Great Omari Mosque restoration project.

Only fragments of the mosque's minarets and a few of its external walls remain standing.

"During the war, it was not only people, trees, and buildings that were targeted, but also thousands of years of human history. Most historical sites in Gaza City were struck and destroyed in an attempt to erase the historical identity of Gaza's people," said Palestinian historian Ayman Al-Balbisi.

Progress on the restoration project has been extremely slow, as Israel continues to restrict the entry of construction materials, even after nearly eight weeks of ceasefire.

On a positive note, however, the project provides locals with more income.

"Before working here, we were unemployed. When this opportunity became available for me and 20 other workers, it allowed us to provide for our families and cover basic needs. During the war, there was no work available for us at all," said worker Ali Al-Qaloushi.

Palestinians have accused Israel of deliberately targeting heritage sites. But Israel denied, saying its strikes followed international law and targeted Hamas tools near or beneath these locations.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has verified damage to 145 religious, cultural and historical sites in Gaza since October 2023, raising fears of irreversible loss in a territory whose history spans more than 5,000 years and carries the imprint of numerous civilizations.

Gazans race to preserve cultural heritage after two years of war