Wu Wenyang *

Abstract: International solidarity is a fundamental value upheld by the united nations as well as a principle of international law recognized by independent experts on human rights. The values and principle of international solidarity have played an important role in promoting human rights, improving the international economic order, driving sustainable development, and tackling global challenges, and they have gained wide support from most developing countries. As unilateralism and protectionism continue to spread, global governance and multilateral cooperation are under threat. Against this background, the united nations calls for the spirit and principle of in-ternational solidarity and the promotion of solidarity rights, including the right to development, and encourages the countries to safeguard global public health through joint actions and to avoid discrimination. The concept of a community with a shared future for human beings proposed by China embodies international cooperation, mutual learning and exchanges, and collective efforts to promote and safeguard human rights. It has made a positive contribution to enriching and boosting the principle of international solidarity and demonstrated the wisdom and responsibility of China as a major country.

Keywords: Principle of international solidarity  · solidarity rights · right to development  · community with a shared future for human beings  · global public health security

The world today faces a severe threat to global public health security. Non-traditional security issues such as development deficits, climate change and refugee crises are becoming graver and need to be tackled jointly by all countries. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that in the fight against major infectious diseases, “At such a moment, it is imperative for the international community to strengthen confidence, act with unity and work together in a collective response. We must comprehensively step up international cooperation and foster greater synergy so that humanity as one can win the battle against such a major infectious disease.” ¹ United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also said that “more than ever, we need solidarity” in the face of the global pandemic, and that “global solidarity is not only a moral responsibility, but also in the interest of all.” ² At the same time, however, unilateralism, protectionism, populism and great-power confrontation are prevalent. The arguments that a clash of civilizations and war between great powers is inevitable have been revived. Conflicts among different countries, civilizations and nations still exist and are even displaying a trend of escalation. Against this background, the spirit and principle of international solidarity advocated by the United Nations are particularly important.

International solidarity embraces the interests and objectives and social cohesion of all countries in order to maintain the order and survival of the international community and to achieve the collective goals that require international cooperation and joint action, on the basis of the interdependence of states and other international actors. ⁴ International cooperation is a core requirement for international solidarity and the means to achieve collective goals and safeguard common interests. International solidarity is not only solidarity among states, but also solidarity among other different international actors. The United Nations work reports on international solidarity note that solidarity, broadly defined, refers to the convergence of responsibilities and interests among individuals, groups, nations and states, with non-state actors such as United Nations bodies, non-governmental organizations and individuals playing important roles. ⁵

Many international documents provide the basis for international solidarity and cooperation. According to Article l of the Charter of the united nations, “the Purposes of the United Nations are: to maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace; to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.” This fully demonstrates the importance of international solidarity, which is not only a means to advance the work of the United Nations, but also an objective in its own right. In 1970, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on principles of International Law concerning Friendly relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the united nations. One of the seven principles listed is the obligation of states to cooperate with each other in accordance with the UN Charter. According to this principle, all countries, regardless of their differences in politics, economy and social systems, have the obligation to cooperate with other countries in accordance with the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in another state’s affairs in order to maintain international peace and security, and promote economic growth throughout the world, especially in developing countries. ⁶

International solidarity also permeates international conventions and declarations, especially the core UN human rights conventions and other relevant human rights documents. According to Article 22 of the universal Declaration of Human rights, the realization of economic, social and cultural rights depends on international cooperation. Article 2 of the International Covenant on economic, Social and Cultural rights obliges States parties to “undertake to take steps, individually and through international assistance and co-operation... with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the present Covenant by all appropriate means.” Article 4 of the Convention on the rights of the Child provides that States parties shall take measures within the framework of international cooperation to ensure the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights. Article 32 of the Convention on the rights of persons with Disabilities states that “States parties recognize the importance of international cooperation and its promotion, in support of national efforts for the realization of the purpose and objectives of the present Convention, and will undertake appropriate and effective measures in this regard, between and among States.” Taking into account the international scope and nature of the refugee problem, the 1951 refugee Convention relating to the Status of Refugees states that only international cooperation can solve the problems and that national authorities have an obligation to cooperate with the United Nations. ⁷ Articles 3 and 4 of the Declaration on the right to Development call for the responsibility of States parties to create international conditions conducive to the realization of the right to development and the obligation to cooperate with each other, and collectively to take steps to formulate international development policies. The Vienna Declaration and programme of Action stresses that international cooperation is essential for the full realization of the purposes of the United Nations, and that the international community should promote effective international cooperation to realize the right to development and remove the obstacles to development. ⁸

Therefore, whether it is to maintain international peace and security, promote the protection of human rights, or to promote global development, international solidarity holds the key to ensuring the realization of global goals and issues. International solidarity also reflects the spirit of developing countries to jointly meet challenges and the need for common prosperity. As a founding member of the United Nations, and a State party to numerous international conventions and declarations, China has been actively fulfilling its international obligations, observing the principle of international solidarity and carrying forward the spirit of international solidarity. China maintains close cooperation with the G77, and is also an observer of the Non-Aligned Movement. As the largest developing country in the world, China has promoted win-win cooperation among developing countries through practical actions and made positive contributions to the practice of international solidarity.

B. International solidarity: from value to principle

The development of international solidarity is closely linked to issues such as safeguarding economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development, improving the international economic order, promoting balanced development and eradicating poverty. As the international community gradually recognizes and attaches importance to the concept of international solidarity, it is not only regarded as an important value and spirit, but also as a principle of international law, which has been vigorously promoted by the United Nations.

International solidarity is not only a principle but an important value that contributes to common goals. At the UN Millennium Summit in 2000, the heads of states and governments discussed issues such as how to build a peaceful, prosperous and just world, realize the right to development, eradicate poverty and maintain peace. The un millennium Declaration was finally adopted at the meeting, which set out the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that the world was to achieve by 2015. The Declaration pointed out that globalization, despite its considerable benefits, was unevenly distributed and posed great challenges to developing countries. All countries in the world must share the responsibilities to manage global economy, promote social development and respond to threats to international peace and security. The UN millennium Declaration, listed solidarity as the fundamental value essential for international relations in the 21 st century, and called on countries to “address global chal-lenges in a manner that equitably bears the costs and burdens, in accordance with the fundamental principles of equity and social justice. Those who suffer negative impact or who benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most.” ¹¹

Solidarity rights were first articulated in 1997 by Karel Vasak, the first person to propose the third generation of human rights. ²² Vasak pointed out that the international community should pay attention to rights such as the right to development, the right to enjoy a healthy environment and the right to peace, which embody collective values and can only be achieved through multi-party solidarity. ²³ In 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) convened an expert meeting and stated that “the right to development, the right to peace and other rights should be considered as special rights... Such new type of rights could be called ‘solidarity rights’.” ²⁴ Some scholars point out that the solidarity rights, or third-generation human rights, are the need of the times and the people of the Third World, and should be recognized and supported by the international community. ²⁵

The right to development has become an internationally recognized fundamental human right. States have the obligation to take collective steps to realize this right and carry out effective international cooperation. ²⁶ Resolution 4 (XXXIII) of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which in 1977 was the first to incorporate solidarity rights, affirmed the great significance of the right to development. ²⁷ The Declaration on the right to Development, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 4, 1986, states that “the right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development.” ²⁸ At the Second World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, delegates of 171 countries unanimously adopted the Vienna Declaration and programme of Action, reaffirming that “the right to development is a universal and inalienable right as well as an integral part of fundamental human rights,” and calling on the international community to realize the right to development through effective international cooperation. ²⁹ The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, referring to the Declaration on the right to Development, recognized that the right to development should be respected as a human right. ³⁰ At its 42 nd session in 2019, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the right to development jointly submitted by the Non-Aligned Movement and China. The resolution stressed the urgent need for the realization of the right to development for all, and recognized that the international community should promote effective international cooperation, in particular partnerships for global development, in order to realize the right to development and remove obstacles to devel-

 

 

The principle of international solidarity is particularly important when the world is being buffeted by challenges in fields such as public health security. International solidarity includes preventive solidarity, international cooperation and reactive solidarity, which helps countries take collective measures to respond to emergencies and help each other while fulfilling their international obligations. ³⁶ Preventive solidarity requires states to guarantee human rights through full respect for and observance of existing obligations under international law. International cooperation requires that countries with the capacity and resources help those lacking them, individually or collectively, to better realize human rights. Reactive solidarity requires that, when faced with the impact of crises such as infectious diseases, natural disasters and armed conflicts, countries should take collective actions to respond, so as to reduce human suffering and minimize losses. These contents show that the principle of international solidarity is a principle to maintain the international order and the survival of the international community, which is based on the respect, protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms. ³⁷

 

First, preventive solidarity helps states to safeguard human rights in accordance with their international obligations, and to guard against discrimination and stigmatization. In the face of the global pandemic, UN bodies have called on all countries to abide by international conventions, protect human rights and carry out international cooperation. During the pandemic, although the states parties may, in accordance with the provisions of relevant human rights conventions, impose lawful and necessary restrictions on the rights in some of the conventions or seek relief from their obligations as required by relevant provisions, there is still a need to actively fulfill international obligations and not to give rise to discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion or social class. Ten UN treaty bodies have spoken with one voice, calling on governments to protect human rights, including the rights to life and health, while responding to the pandemic. Special care should be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the disabled and those living in poverty. Racial discrimination and xenophobia should be put to an end, and the fear and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic should not lead to buck-passing and prejudice. ³⁸ However, discrimination and even violence against ethnic Chinese and Asians still occur in some countries and regions. People of minority races or in poverty cannot have equal access to testing and treatment. The elderly and people with disabilities do not get the help they deserve, and they are even further marginalized and abandoned. On March 20, 2020, US President Donald Trump publicly called the novel coronavirus “China virus” in a news conference, which surprised the public. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism criticized the use of such discriminatory expressions by U.S. officials, including the President, saying that such irresponsible remarks would lead to bad consequences. Chinese and Asians have already faced attacks in the form of hate speech, denial of service and violence. “Political responses to the COVID-19 outbreak that stigmatize, exclude, and make certain populations more vulnerable to violence are inexcusable, immoral, and inconsistent with States’ international human rights law obligations.” ³⁹

III. A Community with a Shared Future for Human Beings: China’s vision for International Solidarity

The vision of building a community with a shared future for human beings is not only the guiding principle of China’s foreign policy, but also China’s contribution to promoting international solidarity and cooperation to jointly respond to global threats and challenges, promote the development of international human rights cause, and achieve win-win results and a shared future. By building a community with a shared future for human beings, the Chinese people and the people of other countries will benefit and realize their dreams of a happy life.

First, the emphasis of the community with a shared future for human beings on the status of “people” is consistent with the values and principles of international solidarity that attach importance to people; it is also in line with its tendency that development is a collective human rights. The community with a shared future for human beings highlights the dominant position of people. Global justice in the concept of a community with a shared future for human beings is the global justice of mankind. ⁴⁴ This concept reflects China’s commitment not only to promoting and realizing the happiness of the Chinese people, but also to making contributions to the promotion of the sustainable and healthy development of human rights in the international community and the universal enjoyment of human rights. Similarly, the objective of international solidarity is to create an environment conducive to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, a concept considered as a prerequisite for the achievement of “human dignity, or the foundation of all human rights.” ⁴⁵ Promoted by the United Nations, international solidarity has emerged in the Draft Declaration on the right to International Solidarity not only as a spirit and principle, but also as a collective human right. This declaration shows that “international” solidarity is no longer limited to states; it focuses on how to promote human rights through cooperation among all parties. “Individuals and people of all countries have the right to claim the right to international solidarity.” “States and some non-state actors have the primary duty to realize the right to international solidarity.” “Global partnerships for the promotion of human rights and sustainable development must be truly global, not just international.” ⁴⁶

Second, the vision of community with a shared future for human beings calls for unity, coordination and win-win cooperation. When President Xi Jinping expounded on the concept of a community with a shared future for human beings at the United Nations, he said that “In today’s world, all countries are interdependent and share a common future.” ⁴⁷ In the face of global challenges, the vision of a community with a shared future for human beings calls for strengthening cooperation, abandoning confrontation, building partnerships and upholding the vision of global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. China attaches importance to bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and stresses the constructive role of international and regional organizations and multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Group of 20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Similarly, international solidarity also emphasizes the interdependence between states and other international actors, the achievement of collective goals through international cooperation, and the promotion and protection of human rights on a global scale through multilateral efforts.

Fifth, the vision of a community with a shared future for human beings respects the diversity of civilizations and promotes mutual learning among cultures. There is no superiority among civilizations. It is a misunderstanding and disastrous in practice to think that one’s own race and civilization are superior to others and that be determined to transform or even replace other civilizations. ⁵³ Similarly, the Independent Expert on International Solidarity stresses that the inclusiveness of diversity is an integral part of international solidarity, and that the draft on solidarity the rights to solidarity should take into account respect for cultural diversity. ⁵⁴ In 2018, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on international cooperation, reaffirming that cultural diversity should be the cause of solidarity, not fragmentation. ⁵⁵ The resolution encouraged dialogue between cultures and civilizations, urged the international community to build a harmonious multicultural world, rejected negative theories such as xenophobia, and stated that unilateralism can only hamper the well-being of people.

With its vision of a community with a shared future for human beings, China is actively promoting the practice of international solidarity at the global and regional levels, injecting new vitality into the values and principle of international solidarity. At the 72 nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, “building a commu-nity with a shared future for human beings” was written into the resolutions on “Further Practical Measures for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space” and “No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space” by the Disarmament and International Security (First Committee). This has further promoted international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. ⁵⁶ In 2018, China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration — Toward an even Stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future. The declaration states that “growing interconnection and interdependence among countries has made collaboration the only viable way to effectively address terrorism, conflicts, wealth gaps, poverty, climate change, land degradation, food insecurity, major communicable diseases, protectionism and other global challenges.” China is ready to “strengthen solidarity and cooperation with African countries,” accommodate each other’s concerns, and continuously build and enrich the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership. ⁵⁷ In his speech at the 19 th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2019, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of “solidarity cooperation” and “solidarity and mutual trust.” He said that we should seek strength from solidarity cooperation so as to jointly build a closer SCO community with shared future, and that we should make the SCO an example of solidarity and mutual trust. ⁵⁸

To summarize, the world today is in urgent need of international solidarity. As an indispensable spirit of the international community in the context of globalization, a fundamental and universal value in relations among peoples, a principle of international law recognized by the UN Independent Experts on Human Rights and Interna-tional Solidarity, international solidarity calls on states to not only fulfill existing international human rights obligations, but also to take collective measures to help each other in responding to challenges such as public health threats and to respect, protect and fulfill human rights and fundamental freedoms together. In the long run, the principle of international solidarity will effectively promote solidarity rights, including the right to development, contribute to the process of eradicating poverty and global inequality, and gradually narrow the North-South gap so that people of all countries, especially those of the developing and least developed countries, can also enjoy the benefits of global sustainable development.

The proposal and implementation of the concept of a community with a shared future for human beings reflects China’s active fulfillment of its international obligations, and commitment to international cooperation, and coordination and promotion of collective response during the pandemic. It also provides inspiration for countries to respond to public health emergencies, and promote and protect human rights globally through international solidarity. Only when all parties adhere to the spirit and principle of international solidarity, abandon their confrontation mentality, eliminate discrimination and violence, and jointly meet challenges through cooperation and mutual assistance on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect can we build and share together an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of enduring peace, universal security and common prosperity, and a world in which people of all countries can live a happy life.

(Translated by CHEN Feng)

3. Wang Yi, “Work Together to Promote and Protect Human Rights and Build a Community with a Shared future for Human Beings,” people's Daily, February 27, 2017.

8. United Nations General Assembly, Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, 1993, Part I, Article 1 and 10.