March 12, 1998 No. 54

CANADA WELCOMES CHINESE ANNOUNCEMENT

OF INTENTION TO SIGN INTERNATIONAL

HUMAN RIGHTS COVENANT

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the announcement by China's Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen that China intends to sign the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"I am particularly pleased that this announcement comes just days after Canada and China jointly hosted a multilateral human rights meeting," said Mr. Axworthy. "It remains very important, however, that China sign the Covenant as soon as possible, and follow through with a timely ratification."

"This is a welcome development that indicates an increased willingness on the part of China to accept and respect universal human rights standards. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is one of the most significant international human rights instruments," added Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.

Canada and China announced a bilateral human rights dialogue in April 1997 that included the establishment of a Joint Committee on Human Rights. The Joint Committee, which has met twice over the past year, provides a forum to address all human rights issues, including political and civil rights, religious freedoms, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as women's and children's rights. Canada has also used these meetings to encourage China to accede to international human rights treaties including the international covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. China signed the latter in October 1997, but has not yet ratified it.

Under the provisions of the bilateral dialogue, both countries co-hosted a human rights symposium in British Columbia earlier this month with participants from several Asia-Pacific and other countries.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Hilary Humphrey

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-1852

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca