UN Women China holds int'l dialogue in Beijing, calling for rights, justice for women

A high-level dialogue on the theme of "Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls" was held in Beijing on Friday, urging countries to strengthen their judicial systems for protection of women's rights.

The event was jointly organized by UN Women China, other UN agencies in China, and relevant Chinese departments.

"Across the world, women and girls are facing combined pressures of conflict, so I don't need to speak to you about the conflict, the economic uncertainty which is there, and the renewed resistance to gender equality. One place where this reality becomes most visible is justice, and in most countries they face greater barriers to justice. These barriers are deepest for women and girls affected by conflict, and the Middle East conflict is one of those examples. Displacement, poverty, and intersecting forms of discrimination [compound these challenges]," said Shahbaz khan, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in China.

"Without justice, without action, rights become just words. We need a whole of society approach that's well-resourced, well-funded and very inclusive," said Chu Q. Wang, the Head of Office (a.i.) at UN Women China.

At the event, the UN Women China and China's top procuratorate jointly released a themed video in observance of International Women's Day.

Representatives from the All-China Women's Federation, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and other relevant Chinese institutions also shared insights into China's efforts to advance the integration of gender equality with social fairness and justice.

Participants expressed a strong interest in deepening judicial cooperation with China to further advance women's rights and empowerment.

"And we're seeing more women who are leading and participating in the justice sector. UN Women were working very much closely with our partners, including the Supreme People's Court. We can fully deliver justice rights action for all women and girls in China and also beyond," said Wang.

"We've learned a lot from China because there's been a lot of progress here on women empowerment. So we've learned a lot whether it is to strengthen our institutions, whether it is to strengthen our legal systems for the purposes of addressing the women issues of equality. So we do know that there's a lot of room for China and Kenya to continue working closely together," said Lynette Mwende Ndile, Deputy Ambassador of Kenya to China.

UN Women China holds int'l dialogue in Beijing, calling for rights, justice for women

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that the highest priority is to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, adding that China appreciates the consistent calls from Gulf countries for dialogue and negotiation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The Kuwaiti foreign minister briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in the regional situation, stating that although Kuwait is not a party to the conflict, it has still been impacted by the warfare, adding that Gulf countries, including Kuwait, remain committed to resolving disputes through dialogue but will not relinquish their legitimate right to self-defense.

He said that Kuwait highly appreciates China's position and efforts and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly promote the restoration of security and stability in the region at an early date, adding that Kuwait attaches great importance to and will continue to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and institutions.

Wang noted that China has always stood for settling disputes through political and diplomatic means, stressing that the ongoing fighting is a war that should not have happened and serves no one's interests.

The United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran without authorization from the United Nations, while negotiations between Iran and the United States were still ongoing, constituting a clear violation of international law, Wang said.

Meanwhile, the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf countries must be fully respected, and any attack on innocent civilians and non-military targets should be condemned, he noted.

China commends the Gulf countries for their consistent calls for dialogue and negotiation, Wang said, adding that China will continue to make efforts for peace.

The Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue has already left for the region to mediate and will strengthen communication with Kuwait and other countries, he said.

Wang expressed his hope and belief that Kuwait will ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel.

Chinese FM calls for ceasefire in Gulf region as soon as possible