China's rapid economic growth has resulted in tremendous progress in reducing poverty and improving the lives of people generally, said Mrs. Louise Arbour, high commissioner for human rights of the United Nations, in Beijing Friday.

"Improvement is evident in life expectancy, child mortality and illiteracy," said the UN official, at a press conference at the end of her one-week visit in China.

During her stay in Beijing, China's capital, she took part in commemorations for the tenth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and met some Chinese officials including State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan. She also visited a community correction facility in the city.

"This is a particularly interesting time to come to China. The great changes China is undergoing hold great promise," she told a group of Chinese and foreign journalists at the UN compound in downtown Beijing.

China has declared its commitment to human rights and has raised expectations for the country to match its growing prosperity with a firm commitment to advancing human rights, at home and abroad, said the UN official.

During her visit, the Chinese authorities reafirmed their commitment to reduce vast wealth disparities, promote greater transparency, fight corruption, strengthen social justice, pursue balanced and sustainable development, and strengthen the rule of law.

Source: Xinhua