Human rights advancements in Xizang have become a cornerstone of its modernization journey, according to a recent white paper released on the 17th Serfs' Emancipation Day. The document highlights striking transformations since 1959, when the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) initiated democratic reforms to dismantle feudal serfdom—a system that once saw 95 percent illiteracy rates and an average life expectancy of 35.5 years.
Post-reform data reveals unprecedented growth: Xizang's GDP surged from 174 million yuan ($23.94 million) in 1959 to 276.494 billion yuan in 2024. Rural residents' per capita disposable income reached 21,578 yuan last year, ranking first nationally alongside urban counterparts. Agricultural productivity also hit milestones, with grain output surpassing 1.1 million tons for the first time in 2024.
Education and healthcare reforms underscore human rights progress. Preschool enrollment now exceeds 91 percent, while senior high school enrollment stands at 91.56 percent—a stark contrast to the pre-1959 era without modern schools. Life expectancy has more than doubled since 1951, reaching 72.5 years by 2021.
The white paper emphasizes China's people-centered development approach, linking economic revitalization with ethnic solidarity. As Xizang continues embracing modernization, its trajectory offers insights into equitable growth models for developing regions worldwide.
