GENEVA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday called on all parties to respect the principles of transparency, impartiality and non-politicization when participating in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the UN human rights system, a Chinese diplomat said.

Attaching great importance to the UPR, China said that cooperation was vital for the implementation of the recommendations on this mechanism by developing countries, the diplomat added.

The UN Human Rights Council on Monday afternoon held a general debate on the UPR mechanism, in which speakers said the mechanism remained a remarkable achievement, since it was an "action-oriented mechanism and platform for assessing achievements as well as challenges to all States in implementing their human rights obligations".

Most states asserted their commitment to the UPR, a four-year UN cycle for reviewing the human rights situation, identifying issues, and monitoring the progress of member states.

Vietnam, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, underlined the importance of the UPR, under which all States were "on an equal footing".

Tunisia said the UPR constituted a tool to strengthen cooperation, and foster dialogue and positive engagement in the UN human rights council and it was therefore important to avoid its politicization.

Venezuela emphasized that the UPR made it possible for countries to address their human rights challenges, and impartiality, non-interference and constructive cooperation among states should govern that mechanism.