Chinese envoy calls for improving global human rights governance

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The building of the UN Offices in Geneva, Switzerland, June 3, 2026. /VCG

China called on the international community to establish a just, equitable, and inclusive global human rights governance system guided by the Global Governance Initiative on Wednesday.

Jia Guide, China's permanent representative to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, made the remarks while delivering a joint statement entitled "Improving International Human Rights Governance" on behalf of 71 countries at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council at the Palais des Nations.

The Global Governance Initiative, proposed by China in 2025, has received support and positive responses from numerous countries and international organizations.

Jia noted in the joint statement that the international landscape is undergoing profound changes amid a complex and turbulent environment, while global human rights governance is facing profound adjustments.

First, adopt a people-centered approach. It is up to the people of each country to assess and improve their own human rights situation, so as to stay true to the original purpose of human rights governance and meet the people's needs.

Second, uphold sovereign equality. All countries should participate, make decisions and benefit on an equal footing. Greater attention should be paid to the voices of the Global South. We advocate fairness, objectivity and non-selectivity, and call for dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect.

Third, uphold fairness and justice. We oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights, take a holistic approach to all categories of human rights, advance human rights reform in a prudent manner, and support multilateral human rights institutions and experts in discharging their mandates objectively and impartially.

Fourth, uphold the international rule of law. We champion the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, ensure the equal and consistent application of international law and international rules, and oppose double standards, interference in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of human rights, and the imposition of one's own standards on others.

The joint statement is based on the platform of the Group of Friends of Global Governance in Geneva, officially launched on February 27, 2026, at the Palais des Nations.