DHARAMSHALA: UN secretary general-elect Antonio Guterres called for human rights to be respected globally as he began on Monday his first visit to Beijing since being elected as the next UN chief.
Addressing reporters along with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, the UN chief said that the United Nations needs to ensure an “effective combination” of human, civil and economic rights in a world where many rights are not respected.
“In a world torn by war, a United Nations able to enhance diplomacy for peace..where so many rights are not respected, to make sure that there is an effective combination in human rights, of the civil and political rights and the economic and social rights in a balanced way,” he said.
Without specifically mentioning China, Guterres said what was needed was a United Nations that abides by its principles.
Speaking along with Guterres, the Chinese Foreign MInister said the UN remained “an effective platform” and “central mechanism” in leading global affairs.
“In the face of a chaotic world, countries should have higher, instead of lower expectations for the UN, therefore, the role of the UN must be strengthened rather than weakened.” the minister said.
The UN chief’s visit to Beijing, which was to end on Tuesday, came after a visit to Moscow the week before.