40th UNHRC Session: China, like-minded nations must be heard

Editor's note: Ghanbar Naderi is a journalist, a current affairs commentator, a documentary filmmaker, and a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

It is an open secret that violations, double standards and politicization of human rights agenda by certain members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a 24-7 routine.

This has made CHINA and a host of other like-minded member states to react. Obviously, not by naming and shaming certain hypocritical governments that have double standard and fail, but by providing favorable international circumstances, treating all members as equals, and promoting dialogue and exchange on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

On March 7, 2019, Yu Jianhua, head of the Chinese mission to UN Office at Geneva, did just that. In a statement on behalf of 50 countries during the Dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the top Chinese diplomat censured unilateralism, protectionism and populism around the world.

Yu maintained that CHINA and other like-minded countries will continue to give strong support to the United Nations and High Commissioner for advances in the global cause for human rights.

Yu's statement reads: “Multilateralism is more imperative than ever, and the shared challenges of mankind can only be tackled through concerted efforts. We, the like-minded group, stand ready to work with other parties to uphold multilateralism, cooperation, and dialogue, particularly as the international community is marking the centenary of multilateralism.”

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to come up with any counterargument to dismiss such a progressive call for promotion of international dialogue and cooperation.

On balance, nothing is wrong with playing a positive role in global politics, excuse yourself from the table of negativity at the UNHRC and lean forward in peace, and/or uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of United Nations, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, and work consistently with the international civil society in an impartial, objective, constructive and non-selective manner.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R) delivers a speech at the opening day of the 40th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, February 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Cut-me-no-slack confrontation or raising different inconsistent truths about an important subject matter such as human rights will take the Council and its decisions nowhere.

It only tips the world into bewilderment and the nations may go haywire as a result of needless sanctions and pressures. The confrontation among truth, fake statements, and possibilities only embeds an enduring showdown, harbors an intense apprehension, and fuels distrust and enmity, ultimately bringing the UNHRC and officials sometimes unwittingly to their knees.

This should be shunned. As argued by the head of the Chinese mission to UN Office, “The UN Human Rights Council is a platform for communication, not confrontation.” The Chinese and many other delegates want to experience just that. They didn't go to Geneva to name and shame, or exert pressure on others.

Being loose domestically and strict abroad is contrasting principles. The progressive delegates went in Geneva to promote preventive diplomacy and a safer future for everyone – they even welcome friendly advice and constructive suggestions.

It's the only way to safeguard and support results-oriented cooperation between the UN Security Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in global peace, security, and stability:

“To advance human rights in a balanced manner, increase input into economic, social, cultural rights and the right to development, and provide technical assistance for human rights in line with the will and requirements of the countries concerned."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends a session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 6, 2019. /VCG Photo

The time is ripe for other delegates to prove they are progressives as well. They should never defend their own national interests or wield human rights issues and sanctions as a political tool. In fact, all UNHRC member states should come to their senses, dispose of their human rights plaything, and live up to their standards and commitments.

History suggests that when human rights reports and discussions are embroiled in controversy, thrown aside, ignored or politicized in such sessions, there is no game in progress. Concern for human rights and international justice should never come only when some delegates see it as crucial to their own national and geopolitical interests.

The same rule applies to UNHRC policymakers and rapporteurs, as they are the ones that pen the Council's annual human rights reports.

They should avoid hypocritical and misleading accounts, divorce themselves from one-size-fits-all approach, take into account national conditions, and employ similar language for everyone. It might turn out to be the only key to significant progress and credibility for the Council.

There can be no doubt that it will take realpolitik even more than morality or enlightenment for the Council to indulge in such policies and practices. In the absence of realpolitik, there is too little incentive for policymakers and rapporteurs to actually bring about the sort of changes and reforms that would make universal human rights violations and hypocrisies a thing of the past.

At any rate, universal human rights values must be defended regardless of the identity of the perpetrator or victim. The UNHRC must listen to CHINA and other like-minded progressives, and fulfill their shared aspirations.

The Council must convince its members that it is indeed sincere and unwavering in its intentions and reports, able and willing to live up to its human rights standards. Until that happens, there is no game in progress in Geneva.

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