Q: In late June, the UN Human Rights Council will hold its first session in Geneva. Who will represent China at the meeting? What proposition will China forward? What does China expect from the first session?

A: The first session of the Human Rights Council will be held in Geneva on June 19th and 30th. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the meeting. Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will attend the high-level meeting and make a speech. Ambassador Sha Zukang, Representative of Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN Offices at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, will head Chinese delegation at the meeting.

This session will focus on discussing the work methods and rules for the Council and the imminent international questions on human rights. We hope all interested parties will show their political willingness and take earnest actions to ensure that the Council will respect the historical, cultural and religious background of all countries and regions, push forward dialogues between different civilizations, cultures and religions and pay equal attention to economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights. It should handle human rights questions in a just, objective a non-selective manner, play a effective role in promoting and safeguarding human rights and avoid following the old path of the sessions of Commission on Human Rights, which was plagued with double standards and political confrontation.

The Chinese delegation will advance its view and proposition on the future work of the Council and participated in the deliberation on all questions with a positive and constructive attitude. We are willing to work with other parties to make this session a successful opening for the Council.