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To promote healthy development of global human rights cause

Published

4 years ago

April 21, 2023

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) recently concluded its 52nd session in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the session, the Chinese delegation comprehensively promoted China’s human rights philosophy and approaches, and called for joint efforts to advance healthy development of global human rights, which was broadly welcomed and supported by representatives attending the session.

China champions international cooperation on human rights, opposes politicizing human rights issues, and steers global human rights governance toward greater fairness, justice, equity and inclusiveness with concrete actions. The country has made important contributions to the development of global human rights.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action. The values, purposes and principles of the two documents, which hold all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, are a common aspiration of mankind.

Speaking on behalf of over 70 countries at the 52nd session of the UNHRC, China made important proposals on further implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On behalf of nearly 80 countries, it called for strengthening international cooperation and revitalizing the spirit of the Declaration and promoting high-quality development.

The speech is of positive significance for global efforts to better promote and protect human rights, enhance and improve global human rights governance. It reflects the strong aspiration of the international community, especially the vast developing world.

China pursues a people-centered vision on human rights. Putting emphasis on the people is the distinguishing feature of the Chinese path of human rights protection.

China has brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects and is pursuing modernization of common prosperity for all.

For the Chinese government, the biggest human right is the happiness of the 1.4 billion Chinese people. Meeting their immediate interests is what all its endeavors are about. The 1.4 billion people have been deeply involved in the development of human rights, and have benefited the most in this process. They now have a growing sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Under the constitutional principle that “The state shall respect and protect human rights”, China has constantly developed the whole-process people’s democracy, advanced law-based governance and enhanced legal protection of human rights, to uphold social fairness and justice. The Chinese people now enjoy fuller and more extensive and comprehensive democratic rights.

Rui Lourido, Chairman of Portuguese think tank Observatory for China, believes that China has truly made human rights a part of the Chinese people’s life.

The historic achievements of China in human rights protection fully prove that respecting and safeguarding human rights must be based on recognizing the universality of human rights and the commitment to a path of human rights development that suits the realities of each country.

Countries vary from one another in historical background, cultural heritage, national conditions and needs of the people. There is no one-size-fits-all model in the protection of human rights. Blindly copying the model of others would be ill-fitted for one’s own conditions, and imposing one’s model upon others would entail endless troubles. The right of all countries to independently choose one’s own path of human rights development should be respected.

Tom Zwart, director of the Cross-cultural Human Rights Center, Utrecht University, noted that the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by China respects cultural diversity and promotes mutual learning among civilizations, which is conducive to placing human rights issues in a new and sustainable international context.

No country is qualified to act as the judge on human rights, and human rights should not be used as a pretext for meddling in other countries’ internal affairs or holding back other countries’ development.

Since 2019, the United States has gathered a group of countries for four times to smear China on human rights issues, which were firmly opposed by the vast majority of countries and all ended in failure.

Nearly 100 countries have voiced understanding and support of China’s just position at UNHRC sessions, opposing politicization of human rights issues and double standard, and opposing using human rights issues as a pretext to interfere in China’s internal affairs. It fully indicates that the international society has fair judgments.

What’s urgent for the countries that smear China on human rights issues is to take practical actions to resolve their own severe human rights problems and reflect upon the human rights disasters they have created for other countries.

At the 52nd session of the UNHRC, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri said that some countries today would only focus on unilateral coercive measures, which almost always resulted in human rights violations and weakened the ability of countries hit by those measures to respond to food crises.

UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures Alena Douhan expressed her concerns in a statement, noting that U.S. unilateral coercive measures like prohibiting entry into the United States and freezing any assets with a United States connection violate basic human rights of individuals and entities concerned including labor rights and freedom of movement.

In a world fraught with various global issues, the international human rights cause is confronted with severe challenges. China is ready to work with all parties to promote the common values of humanity, namely, peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, launch human rights exchanges and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect, take an active part in global human rights governance, promote all-round development of the human rights cause and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

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Gov AbdulRazaq flags off additional 21km road projects, restates commitment to rural devt

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

We’ve so far completed 650 kilometers roads in Kwara: Gov

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday flagged off the construction of 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road in Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and widen economic opportunities in the affected communities.

The Governor equally flagged off the construction of Oke Ose/Maya Asunlope road which also falls within Ilorin East.

He noted that a road is valuable, not merely because it connects two locations, but because of the people it helps, the businesses it supports, and the opportunities it brings within reach.

“To the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa and neighbouring communities, this project is a statement of our commitment to your wellbeing and the future of your communities,” the Governor said in Oke-Oyi amidst excitement and solidarity songs by the residents.

“We understand what this road means for a farmer trying to get produce to market, a trader struggling to move merchandise, or a family making an essential journey.

“With over 650 kilometres of roads completed (excluding the 294km tax credit roads) and additional projects in progress and in the pipeline, we are steadily improving the infrastructure that supports agriculture, commerce, investment, and economic growth.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony at Oke-Ose, AbdulRazaq reiterated his government’s resolve to continually invest in roads and critical infrastructure, believing that economic prosperity does not happen by chance.

“We recognise the transportation difficulties that have affected movement in this area. We understand that behind every difficult journey is a person trying to earn a living, a trader working to sustain a business, a family meeting its daily needs, or a resident trying to get from one place to another,” he said.

Accompanied by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship candidate Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the Governor was received in both communities by the traditional and religious leaders.

Other dignitaries at the event were Kwara House of Assembly member and APC candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Hon Arinola Lawal; APC State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari; Chairman, Ilorin East LGA, Hon Luqman Agbelere; Chairman, Moro LGA, Hon Mariam Abdulwasiu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and DG Kwara APC Campaign Council (Central), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Hon Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; HoR candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Constituency, Hon Abdulquawiy Olododo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Suleiman Abubakar Sai Kai, among others.

Expressing appreciation, Olododo said the two road projects further demonstrated the commitment of the administration to the development of rural communities.

“For me, today’s occasion is not merely about flagging off a road construction. It is about the opportunities this road will create for our farmers, traders, young people and families whose daily lives depend on better connectivity,” Olododo said.

Baale of Oke-oyi, Mallam Soliu Abdulkadir and Alangua of Oke-mi Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim, in their separate remarks, said the event indicates that the government is committed to rural development, commending the Governor for promoting fairness, inclusion and a stronger government-community relationship.

Mallam Ibrahim said his community has been longing for motorable road as far back as 1981, noting that the project is a dream come true.

Spokesman for Oke-Ose community, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu, applauded AbdulRazaq for improving their access to basic infrastructure, pledging their continued support to the APC-led government.

He described Oke-Ose/Maya Asunlope road project as ‘incredibly unique’ in the history of Oke-Ose and adjoining communities.

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Kwara Police Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to abductions in Oloru, Alapa and Malete communities in the State.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led joint operation involving police personnel and Forest Guards, which also uncovered a suspected kidnappers’ camp in the state.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began with the arrest of one Aliyu Isiaka at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24, 2026.

Isiaka, a resident of Ga’a-Kpapa Village in Moro Local Government Area, was reportedly intercepted by Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam at about 6pm while allegedly disguising himself in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms.

During interrogation, the suspect was reported to have confessed to belonging to a nine-man kidnapping gang led by one Juli, who is said to be from Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, and is currently at large.

The police said Isiaka disclosed that he joined the syndicate in August 2026 and had participated in three kidnapping operations in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where the gang allegedly collected substantial ransom payments.

Acting on information obtained during interrogation, a joint team of police operatives and Forest Guards carried out a targeted operation at the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin.

The three suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant step towards dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring lasting security to vulnerable communities.

Adekimi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration with other security agencies to track down criminal elements.

He said the command would sustain its efforts in line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen security and protect residents across the state.

The police urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

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kwara APC HoR candidate, Ajakaye, harps on grassroots sports devt

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, has declared that grassroots sports development and talent hunts will be given the pride of place, if elected as member of the National Assembly.

Ajakaye noted that the constituency is blessed with talented young people who could excel in various sporting disciplines if provided with adequate facilities, an enabling environment and the necessary support.

The House of Representatives hopeful, who is the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made this known while featuring on Kwara SWAN Sports “Hard Talk” at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

He explained that the proposed sports development agenda would cover football, table tennis, swimming, athletics and other sporting activities, stressing the need to look beyond football in identifying and nurturing young talents.

He added: “Many gifted athletes remain undiscovered due to inadequate opportunities and support, making grassroots investment essential to building a sustainable sports development.”

Ajakaye commended the State Government for renovating the Offa Stadium, describing the facility as a valuable asset that should be fully utilised to promote sports and discover emerging talents.

“I am proud that Governor Abdulrazaq is doing fantastically in my own constituency, and that is the renovation of the Offa Stadium for the first time in many years. I am seeing that as an asset already,” he said.

He pledged to collaborate with the state government to explore opportunities to expand and maximise the use of sporting facilities in Offa and other parts of the constituency.

The APC candidate also promised to support local governments in participating effectively in state sporting activities, noting that, inadequate funding sometimes prevents some councils from competing optimally.

He noted that engaging in the development of sports and sporting facilities for young athletes would provide them with better opportunities to represent their communities and showcase their abilities at sporting competitions.

Ajakaye emphasised that his proposed sports programme would focus on discovering and developing talents at the grassroots rather than concentrating solely on established professional teams.

He further promised to work with the State Sports Commission to organise talent-hunting programmes across the constituency, providing opportunities for young athletes in football, table tennis, swimming and other sporting disciplines.

The media practitioner said grassroots sports organisers would play a crucial role in the initiative because of their understanding of local talents, existing challenges and the support required to nurture promising athletes.

“These are people who are basically at the grassroots. They know where the challenges are,” he said, pledging to engage them in developing practical solutions to improve sports participation and athlete development.

He added that a well-structured grassroots sports programme could create opportunities for economic empowerment, community development and the emergence of future sporting stars from the constituency.

Ajakaye further remarked that investing in young athletes and providing access to sporting facilities would help establish a stronger foundation for sports development across Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun federal constituency.