In a significant move towards fostering global human rights standards, China and Latin American countries are accelerating their cooperation with the inaugural China-Latin America and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights. Held in Rio de Janeiro this Tuesday, the event is co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies (CSHRS), Renmin University of China, and Universidade Federal Fluminense.
Over 100 participants gathered to engage in meaningful dialogue, aiming to promote mutual learning and advance the diversified development of human rights within the modernization context. This roundtable also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil and the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum, underscoring the deepening ties between the regions.
As the largest developing country, China shares a common ground with Latin American and Caribbean states, which also house a high concentration of developing nations. Both regions emphasize the importance of tailoring human rights development paths to their unique national conditions. They concur that securing the right to survival and development is foundational to the realization of other human rights.
Reflecting on its progress, China highlighted the achievements outlined in its 2019 white paper, \"Seeking Happiness for People: 70 Years of Progress on Human Rights in China.\" The white paper emphasizes a people-centered human rights philosophy, focusing on improving living standards through economic growth. Since the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, China’s GDP has soared from approximately $51.6 billion to $17.8 trillion in 2023, lifting nearly 800 million people out of poverty.
Latin American countries have also made remarkable strides in enhancing living standards and promoting social equity. Chile, for instance, has implemented long-term poverty reduction programs, achieving a poverty rate of just 1 percent in 2022. Similarly, Mexico has significantly decreased its multidimensional poverty rate, lifting 8.8 million people out of poverty between 2020 and 2022. Brazil has established the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and other ministries dedicated to human rights and equality, further protecting the rights of various groups.
Experts believe that the deepening economic and political ties between China and Latin American and Caribbean states are pivotal in addressing global challenges such as poverty, conflict, and climate change. Enhanced human rights cooperation between these regions is expected to amplify the voice of the Global South in shaping international human rights policies.
Ma Chaoqi, vice president of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, stated, \"The human rights dialogue between China and LAC states is timely. It reflects the Chinese concept of 'harmony in diversity' and underscores the importance of respecting diverse human civilizations and promoting mutual learning.\"
Reference(s):
China, Latin American countries speed up human rights cooperation
cgtn.com
