GENEVA - China has made notable progress in gender equality, as shown by improvements in its legal framework and the introduction of several policy initiatives and decisions, said Nahla Haidar, chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

"China is on the right track," she told Xinhua in a recent interview during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

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Haidar noted that the global effort to advance gender equality is thwarted by such challenges as escalating conflicts that severely impact women and children, the widening gender digital divide, and the exacerbation of social inequalities caused by climate change.

These issues not only hinder further improvements in women's rights but also pose obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, she warned.

Despite these challenges, China has made notable progress in strengthening its legal framework, expanding education and enhancing social security. These efforts are crucial for the broader global movement toward gender equality, said Haidar.

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Speaking of China's latest legislative advancements presented during its periodic review under the CEDAW framework, Haidar highlighted that China has remained committed to advancing gender equality with its sustained efforts to improve the status of women and girls.

These endeavors, she added, are closely linked to the legacy of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in 1995.

Adopted at the conference, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was a groundbreaking global agreement. With the rapid evolution of digital technologies, she stressed the need to update the framework to address emerging challenges, such as the digital gender divide and the impact of climate change on women's rights.

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She further highlighted China's unique role in global gender equality efforts, noting that as a major country with a rich history, its practices not only influence domestic development but also set an example for the region and the world.