The role of the human rights defenders and NGOs is vital in promoting human rights. In this task they need special protection. The coverage of Human Rights conventions is not yet complete. We realise that China will still have a laborious process ahead. This signature constitutes an important step in making the UN covenants truly universal.
Regional arrangements complement the universal system in promoting and protecting human rights.
Hence they contribute to the stability, democratic security and peace. In Europe, the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe work to this effect. I am happy to have learned here that similar development takes place also in Latin America. While nations work individually and in cooperation to alleviate poverty, to fulfill basic human needs, to create jobs and protect environment, they cannot fail to address some continuously or even increasingly serious problems arising from the use of force or the means of force. The establishment of an orderly civil society that respects rule of law and protection of human rights is a great challenge for the world today.