UN Human Right Prize serves as spur for further efforts, says Deng

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, December 11, 2003

UN Human Right Prize serves as spur for further efforts, says Deng

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Deng Pufang, President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation and one of this year's awardees of the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights,said Wednesday the prize would spur him on to make fresh efforts for the advancement of people with disabilities.

"It is a great privilege for me to be the first Chinese citizenand the first person with disability in wheelchair to receive the UN Prize in the Field of Human Rights. This is a gift to my country and an encouraging message to the 600 million persons withdisabilities around the world," Deng said at a press conference after the award ceremony.

Describing himself as a humanitarian, Deng said that humanitarianism is a philosophy fundamental to a modern society, its extension is the protection of human rights. He said he would not call himself a "human rights warrior," but consider what he has to offer is an honest heart, a sincerity that is free of all vanity and concern about personal gain or loss.

He noted that the human rights situation of the disabled, the most disadvantaged social group, is still facing daunting challenges, and said it is an encouraging sign that their human rights protection has already attracted broad attention by the international community.

He called the formulation of an International Convention on theRights of Persons with Disabilities a "major progress" toward human rights protection, saying it will make the international legal regime for human rights protection more complete.

He stressed that the convention should not only clearly define the rights of the disabled, as human beings enjoying equal dignityand value, but also clearly stipulate the responsibility and obligations of the international community for the fulfillment andprotection of these rights through development efforts on their behalf.

He also expressed the hope that China, a great developing country, will continue to shoulder important responsibilities and exert positive influence in the global efforts for human rights protection.

The assembly first awarded the prize on Dec. 10, 1968, and thenat five-yearly intervals thereafter. The prize is considered as ameasure to honor and commend people and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Deng Pufang deserves UN prize: FM

Deng Pufang wins UN Human Rights Prize

UN Human Rights Prize Winner devotes life to humanism

US TV dump charges not just a biz spat: Analysis ( 4 Messages)

China not to tolerate splitting Taiwan from motherland: Premier ( 3 Messages)

Trade war? A buying spree for cheap Chinese goods ( 3 Messages)

Moon probe to blast off in 3 years: Chief scientists ( 2 Messages)

Bush strategy: Spend now, pay later? ( 35 Messages)