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NGO leaders and experts speak during a parallel event for the 47th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, July 9, 2021. /CMG
Leaders of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and experts from China, Cambodia and other developing countries called for a stronger focus on development in the global human rights cause.
The calls were made last Friday during a parallel event for the 47th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, held online from Beijing, with the theme "Promote Human Rights through Development – Practices of NGOs."
Several experts and NGOs from Cambodia took part in the event. They emphasized the importance of peace and development in a country's path to promote both democracy and human rights.
Screenshot of the handout on a parallel event for the 47th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, July 9, 2021. /CMG
"Without development, there will be no human rights. Both democracy and human rights should be based on the promotion of development," said Chea Munyrith, chairman of the Chinese Cambodian Evolution Researcher Association.
"People of all countries also have the right to choose a development path that suits their own national conditions," he added.
Dr. Chheng Kimlong, vice president of the Asian Vision Institute in Cambodia, furthered the topic on different development models.
"The advancement of the cause of human rights must be based on development that focuses on people," said Dr. Chheng Kimlong. "But there can be no 'one size fits all' in development models, and the differences in the national situation, history, culture, and legal system of different countries must be fully considered."
Event participants also called for a stronger role of NGOs in the promotion of human rights.
Zhu Jingfang, a representative from the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, said NGOs have played a significant part in protecting human rights, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since the coronavirus outbreak, we have joined with over 60 NGOs to accomplish more than 100 international anti-pandemic projects," Zhu said. "Our projects donated more than 200 million yuan worth of medical materials to countries most hit by the virus, and we held over 200 online events on sharing experience on handling the pandemic, protecting the rights to life and health in developing countries."
"The protection of human rights requires not only the guidance and efforts of the government and political parties, but also the full participation and support of all sectors of society and non-governmental organizations," said Amarbat, director of the Legal Division of Mongolia People's Party.
