UN ambassador dismisses concerns raised by western countries
China's oft-criticised human rights record came under scrutiny at the United Nations yesterday as UN ambassador Li Baodong sought to defend its human rights efforts in a new mechanism called the Universal Periodic Review.
The Chinese delegation, headed by Mr Li, highlighted changes to the legal system as evidence of the country's commitment to human rights.
But representatives from other countries raised strong concerns about freedoms in some restive regions.
The review, established under the UN Human Rights Council, examines the human rights records of all 192 UN member states once every four years.
'China has worked consistently to improve its legal system ... has endeavoured to promote democracy, enhance democratic institutions ... seeks to guarantee judicial independence and the fair administration of justice through continued reforms ... and promote law-based governance and to increase government transparency,' Mr Li said.