The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on promoting accessibility, including for people living with disabilities, during its 57th session on Friday.
The resolution was submitted by China on behalf of 30 countries, including Cameroon, Honduras, Pakistan, and Turkey, marking the first time the UN has passed such a resolution, which calls for equal participation in social life and access to human rights for groups such as persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Ambassador Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, introduced the draft resolution, emphasizing that the construction of accessible environments symbolizes progress for human civilization. It serves as a crucial guarantee for enabling all individuals to equally, fully and conveniently participate in and integrate into social life, share in the benefits of economic and social development, and fully realize their human rights, he said.
The widening of accessibility ensures that development outcomes benefit all people, fostering equal opportunities and inclusive growth, he added. Chen also called for the building of a consensus on accessibility for all and urged collective efforts to promote the cause of accessibility.
Countries including Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Benin voiced their support for the resolution, stating that it will significantly enhance awareness of and attention to accessibility issues while promoting international cooperation in this area.
The resolution reflects a building momentum on accessibility efforts and contributes to the healthy and sustainable development of international human rights initiatives. Following the adoption of the resolution, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and a number of nations congratulated China on its contributions.
The passage of the resolution by the Human Rights Council coincides with the upcoming Double Ninth Festival, a traditional Chinese occasion honoring senior citizens on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, highlighting its significance in promoting China’s progress in the field, advancing international standards for accessibility, and safeguarding the rights of the elderly.
China implemented its first comprehensive legislation on accessibility, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Construction of Barrier-free Environments, in September 2023.