Covenant 'to be ratified'

China is expected to ratify the UN's International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today.

Chinese lawmakers yesterday urged the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to ratify the document, Xinhua reported.

They said Beijing had always recognised and respected international principles of human rights, but stressed that the protection of such rights should depend on each country's specific circumstances.

The NPC also said the covenant contained the same principles as those found in Chinese law.

Beijing signed the covenant in 1997, and a year later signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - which also awaits ratification.