The ongoing session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday ended the first review of China's human rights record, acknowledging China's efforts in human rights protection.

Many countries praised China's tremendous achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights in the past six decades since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, and particularly since its launching of reform and opening up in 1978.

They also recommended that China share with the international community, and in particular developing countries, its experience in promoting the right to development and poverty reduction.

The 47-state council Monday launched its review of China's human rights record according to its new UPR system. Under the Human Rights Council's UPR system, all UN members states must have their record examined every four years.

In a report written by three officials from India, Canada and Nigeria on the UPR working team, the council expressed hope that China will continue to make efforts in promoting and protecting human rights.

It also encouraged China to stick to a development model that suits its national conditions and to continue its active and constructive role in the world.

Achamkulangare Gopinathan, the permanent representative of India to the UN Office in Geneva and one of the three officials in the working team, said the Chinese delegation took part in the examination and writing of the report in an "open" manner.

He called the participation "constructive and transparent," saying the working team cooperated well with the Chinese delegation.

During a three-hour hearing on Monday, which was open to all UN member states, the Chinese delegation presented a report outlining the country's progress and challenges in the field of human rights.

Li Baodong, China's ambassador to the UN Office in Geneva, said his country will continue to "earnestly implement the constitutional principles of the rule of law and safeguarding human rights."

He said the delegation responded openly to the comments from all countries. China accepted those suggestions suitable for China and those that could be operated, while frankly voicing its stance on those not in line with China's real situation.

"We are proud of what we have achieved, and we are also clearly aware of the future difficulties and challenges, "the ambassador said. "I am confident that when China receives its next review four years later, the world will see a country with more prosperous economy, higher level of democracy, better legal system and more harmonious society where people live a happier life."

The UN human rights council held its fourth UPR session in Geneva from Feb. 2 to Feb. 13 to examine the human rights records of 16 countries, including Germany, Canada, China, Cuba, Mexico, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The UPR mechanism was established by the Human Rights Council in June 2007, aiming to ensure that all 192 member states of the United Nations will have their records examined in order to improve human rights conditions worldwide.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2009)