The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a China-sponsored resolution calling on states and other stakeholders to undertake constructive and genuine dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights.

China's Ambassador to the UN, Chen Xu said in a statement introducing the resolution, that the COVID-19 pandemic was seriously impacting the economic, social development and human rights of all countries across the world. 

"The pandemic once again shows that countries must step up consultation and cooperation and uphold and practice multilateralism so as to effectively address global challenges, promote peace and development and realize the goal of full enjoyment of human rights by all," Chen said.

"The draft resolution emphasizes that international cooperation should be actively carried out so as to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure accessibility and affordability of vaccines to developing countries," he added.

"It also proposes that the Human Rights Council hold a meeting in a timely manner on the promotion and protection of the human rights of persons in vulnerable and marginalized situations during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in order to better share experience and good practices."

Chen also said that China has already held two informal consultations with various parties of the draft resolution and took on board reasonable suggestions for changes.

"The draft resolution is now both balanced and focused. China's initiative on the promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of human rights is in line with the shared aspiration of the international community," he added.

In a separate statement, Beijing said: "Cuba, Russia, Eritrea and other countries spoke in support of the draft resolution, saying that it was based on the Charter of the United Nations, supporting multilateralism and international cooperation and is conducive to promoting win-win cooperation in the international system."