Delegates to the 11th China-Australia Human Rights Dialogue
yesterday updated each other on the progress the two countries have
made and discussed in detail how to provide legal protection to
minority ethnic groups, women, children and the physically
challenged.
At a joint news conference after the dialogue in Beijing,
Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei, who led the Chinese
delegation, said: "The Chinese government values the protection and
promotion of political, economic, cultural and social rights of its
citizens highly and is committed to building a socialist harmonious
society in an all-round way.
"We respect the universality of human rights and believe that
the principle should be applied in line with the conditions
existing in a country.
"Because of differences in political systems, development
levels, histories and cultures, it's natural that we have different
approaches to human rights issues. That's why we have this dialogue
today."
This dialogue is being held on the basis of equality and neutral
respect, he said.
Deputy secretary of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs
Peter Grey said the dialogue is a very constructive and open. It
will be continued and strengthened.
"The dialogue is central to the Australian government's approach
of advancing cooperation and constructively managing differences,"
said Grey, who led the Australian delegation.
The 11th Human Rights Dialogue, which focused on the role of
legal professionals in protecting human rights, reviewed and
approved the 2007-08 China-Australia Human Rights Technical
Cooperation Program.
The total funding for the program has reached almost A$100
million, with A$2 million allocated for activities in 2007-08,
according to the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(China Daily July 31, 2007)
