Experts highlight shared commitment with focus on development, cooperation

China has consistently upheld a people-centered perspective on human rights, respecting the principal position of the people, says Padma Choling, president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies.

He made the remark at the inaugural China-Latin America and Caribbean States (LAC) Roundtable on Human Rights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. This event marked the first such institutional exchange and seminar between China and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The roundtable, themed "Diversity of Civilizations and Pathways to Realize Human Rights", drew senior officials and experts from 17 countries.

Padma Choling outlined China's commitment to advancing human rights through development, citing the country's large-scale education, healthcare and social security systems.

"Guided by the people's aspirations for a better life, China's human rights development aims to achieve common prosperity for all and advance higher levels of human rights protection through high-quality development," he said.

With improvements in environmental quality and a rise in life expectancy to 78.6 years, the quality of life for the Chinese people has significantly improved. Additionally, China is advancing whole-process people's democracy, turning democratic values into effective institutional arrangements and concrete practices.

China's goal is to "ensure that people feel fairness and justice in every law enforcement decision and judicial case", Padma Choling said.

He emphasized China's commitment to ensuring equal rights for all, with a particular focus on protecting and supporting vulnerable groups, including ethnic groups, women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

He cited China's success at this year's Paris Paralympic Games, where Chinese athletes won 220 medals, including 94 golds, as a reflection of the country's dedication to providing its 85 million citizens with disabilities equal opportunities for a fulfilling life.

However, he also cautioned that the world is facing growing instability, with rising anti-globalization sentiments, increasing unilateralism and protectionism and more frequent local conflicts.

He underscored the long-standing cooperation between China and Latin America, which dates back to the 16th century, and described it as a key avenue for mutual learning between civilizations.

Highlighting 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, and similar long-standing ties with other Latin American countries, he said the partnership has yielded significant results.

"We have every reason to believe that as China-LAC relations continue to grow, our human rights exchanges and cooperation will become even more profound and fruitful."

Addressing inequalities

Officials and academics from China and Latin America underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing inequalities. They called on governments, organizations and individuals to engage in dialogue, build consensus, tackle global human rights challenges and advance the progress of human rights worldwide.

Charles Peter David, former foreign minister of Grenada, detailed the benefits of China's investments in the Caribbean, particularly in Grenada, as catalysts for economic and social progress.

The partnership between China and the Caribbean is a compelling testament to how cooperative global efforts can profoundly enhance human rights and improve the lives of millions, said David, who is also former agriculture minister and currently the deputy general secretary of Grenada's New National Party.

"It symbolizes mutual respect for the rule of law and a shared commitment to fostering economic, social and cultural development — ultimately, people-to-people development," David told the gathering.

Zhu Qingqiao, Chinese ambassador to Brazil, said the promotion of human rights and exchanges between China and Latin America is entering a phase of significant opportunity.

With 50 years of diplomatic relations, China and Brazil have worked together to benefit their people, Zhu said.

"We should oppose the politicization, weaponization and selective use of human rights issues and promote the global governance of human rights toward a fairer, just, reasonable and inclusive direction."

Wang Yi, vice-president of Renmin University of China, one of the co-organizers of the event, said human rights development is a universal concern, reflecting humanity's continuing attempt to answer the philosophical question, "Who are we?"

Different countries and cultures should respect and appreciate one another and engage in meaningful dialogue to build consensus on human rights, he said.

原文链接：[China Daily]China, Latin America work to advance global human rights