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Draft Resolution United States of America 8 April 2004
The Situation of Human Rights in China
Bearing in mind that all Member States have an
obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms as
stated in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, and the duty to fulfill the obligations they have undertaken under
various human rights instruments,
Taking note of the significant transformation of Chinese society since the
introduction of successful economic reform policies, including reducing the
number of Chinese living in extreme poverty,
Taking note of some steps also taken by China over the past two decades to
enhance the enjoyment of human rights, such as the announcement of the
elimination of the administrative justice system of "custody and repatriation"
and the widening of village elections,
Welcoming China's readiness to participate in human rights dialogues,
1. Expresses concern about continuing reports of severe restrictions on freedom
of assembly, association, expression, conscience and religion, legal processes
that continue to fall short of international norms of due process and
transparency, and, arrests and other severe sentences for those seeking to
exercise their fundamental rights, including those in Tibet and Xinjiang.
2. Encourages China to permit visits by United Nations Mechanisms, including
Working Groups and Special Rapporteurs, and take additional steps to cooperate
with the international community in the human rights area, including upholding
its commitments under the 1967 United Nations Protocol on the Status of
Refugees.
3. Invites the government of China, whose efforts to give effect to the social
and economic well being of the population are to be recognized, to make
substantive progress in systemic reforms to ensure respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the provisions of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
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