China presented its initial report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to a UN committee on Wednesday.  

"The report focuses on the laws, plans and measures adopted, and organs established by the Chinese government to promote various rights under the covenant, including our achievements as well as our difficulties and problems," Ambassador Sha Zukang, head of the Chinese delegation, told a session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Geneva.

The report, which was drafted by 15 ministries in no less than one year, also contains a large amount of data in an effort to comprehensively reflect China's situation, he said.

"We have taken appropriate steps within our capacity to seek full realization of the rights as enshrined in the covenant in a gradual manner," said the Chinese ambassador.

Those steps have provided better protection of economic, social and cultural rights, including improved livelihood and narrowed gaps between urban and rural areas.

Employment has been expanded, with focus on safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of migrant workers, he added.

Under the covenant, China has also made great efforts to develop medical and health services, improve education, strengthen protection of rights and interests of women and children, offer better care for the disabled and invest more in the development of ethnic minority regions, said Sha in his presentation.

In two days, the UN committee will review China's report before making its final comments and recommendations.

China signed the covenant in 1997 and ratified it in 2001.