A/HRC/11/37
devotion to its international obligations would foster a continuation of the fruitful and
integrated work covering the broad spectrum of human rights.
536. Pakistan highlighted the fact that China, in spite of being the most populous country
in the world, was realizing many of the Millennium Development Goals ahead of time, and
that these best practices should be replicated by other States. It noted that China, as a
responsible global power, had always looked after the rights and interests of the developing
world, the acknowledgement of which had been reflected in the statements made during the
review. China’s acceptance of a range of recommendations made in the fields of civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights and the establishment of an inter-agency
working group to systematically analyse and implement these recommendations reflected
the seriousness that it attached to human rights. Pakistan noted the promulgation of China’s
first national human rights plan of action and the new plan on the pharmaceutical and
health-care system.
537. Sri Lanka welcomed the State’s continuous role in striving for harmony, balance and
fair play in the Council, and pointed to the three contributions of the Chinese Communist
Party to human rights: (a) the elimination of serfdom and slavery in China, including in the
province of Tibet; (b) the emancipation of women; and (c) the exemplary conduct of the
Chinese revolution with regard to prisoners of war. It was particularly pleased that China
had accepted a great majority of recommendations, including those made by Sri Lanka, and
that China had rejected those proposals contributing to ethnic division and extremism. Sri
Lanka admired China’s policy concerning matters of ethnic identity and thought it could
learn from China’s formula.
538. The Russian Federation noted that China had expressed its willingness to implement
the overwhelming majority of recommendations received, particularly those relating to the
exercise of economic, social and cultural rights and that China intended to make further
large-scale efforts to achieve the goals that it had set for itself in the promotion and
protection of human rights. The Russian Federation pointed out that the dynamically
developing Chinese economy played a vital role in consolidating efforts by the international
community to find a way out from the world financial crisis.
539. Bahrain congratulated China on having accepted so many recommendations,
including those by Bahrain. Bahrain welcomed the launching of the first national plan for
human rights in China, developed in accordance with the outcome of the Vienna
Conference as a result of a democratic process and covering all human rights. Bahrain
welcomed measures included in the plan, especially for the protection of women, children,
the elderly and those with disabilities, and that it took account of the recommendations
from countries, which showed that China paid a great deal of attention to human rights and
wished to respect its obligations. Bahrain indicated that the plan would give new impetus to
human rights and a new environment for the adoption of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights.
3.
General comments made by other relevant stakeholders
540. The Women’s International Democratic Federation recognized China’s important
advances in eliminating poverty, the enjoyment of human rights by all and the construction
of a modern socialist system. It recognized China’s particular efforts in promoting
women’s, children’s and disabled people’s rights. The fact that China had staged major
international events was an engine for sustained development and growth, and had
enormous responsibilities towards the human rights of its 1.3 billion people.
541. The United Nations Association China pointed to the consultative and participatory
process followed in the preparation of China’s national report and when drawing up the
human rights plan of action for 2009–2010. It welcomed the plan and noted that more
GE.09-16766
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