Roundup: China highlights progress made in anti-torture field to UN body

Chinese representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva Wu Hailong on Tuesday outlined China's concerted efforts to address human rights issues including measures to curb the use of torture on its territory.

"Since the last consideration of China's implementation report, China has made further progress in its legal development and human rights protection. A lot of new achievements have also been registered in our work against torture," Wu told the United Nations Committee against Torture on its consideration of China's report on the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The report put forward by the Chinese delegation underscores measures taken by the country since the human rights situation in China was last reviewed in 2008.

According to Wu, who is head of the delegation, "strengthening legal guarantee for human rights" and "ensuring justice be seen in each and every case" have acted as the foundations for China's law enforcement departments and personnel as well as its judicial system.

In light of this, a number of tangible changes have been instigated by Chinese authorities.

"We have improved and implemented the system of 'exclusion of illegally obtained evidence.' " Wu said.

He also outlined the increased use of audio and video recording systems during the entire process of interrogation of criminal suspects involved in major cases, adding that the aim is to use such a system for all criminal cases in the future.

Upgrading human rights and anti-torture education for law enforcement personnel and the judiciary were also mentioned as key measures taken by China.

"The Chinese government will further enhance its efforts to counter torture in a comprehensive manner in its grand efforts to make all-round progress on law-based governance." Wu said. Endit