Joint Statement Delivered by H.E. Ambassador CHEN Xu on behalf of Like-minded Countries on Social Protection at the General Debate of Agenda Item 8 at the 48th Session of the Human Rights Council
2021-10-04 16:26

Madam President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of a group of countries. The right to social protection is an important economic, social and cultural right and the right to development, which bears on the well-being and dignity of all human beings.The strengthening of social protection is a powerful tool to combat inequality and discrimination, andan important means to reduce poverty and foster social inclusion.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economic and social development and livelihood in all countries, especially developing countries, and exacerbated poverty and inequality. This highlights the importance of social protection.We should take positive steps, stay committed to people-centered development and strengthen social protection systems so as to ensure that fruits of development are delivered to all communities in a fairer way. The rights of persons in vulnerable and marginalized situations must be protected and their access to necessary social services should be guaranteed so that no one is left behind.Multilateral human rights mechanisms should pay more attention to the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights and to the realization of the right to development. The Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights should build up its capacity and do more in these areas.

Thank you, Madam President.

 

China, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Cuba, DPRK, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malawi, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, UAE, Venezuela, Yemen