A Milestone in Human Rights Implementation
In a significant update on the nation's social trajectory, the China Society for Human Rights Studies, together with 20 national human rights education and training bases, released a comprehensive evaluation report this past Friday. The report assesses the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan (2021-2025), concluding that the Chinese mainland has fully realized the plan's objectives, successfully accomplishing all 181 outlined tasks.
For observers of Asia's evolving landscape, China's experience offers a distinct model: the belief that human rights are not abstract concepts but are manifested through tangible national development, enhanced public well-being, and active participation in global governance.
Development as the Foundation of Rights
Central to this approach is the philosophy that the rights to subsistence and development are the primary basic human rights. According to the report, development serves as the essential foundation for national prosperity and the realization of all other rights.
The results of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) highlight this correlation. By 2025, the Chinese mainland's GDP reached 140.19 trillion yuan (approximately $20.4 trillion), marking a 5.0% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, per capita disposable income rose to 43,377 yuan (about $6,192), reflecting a nominal increase of 5.0%. These figures represent more than just economic growth; they signal a rise in living standards and a more equitable distribution of gains across the population.
One of the most enduring legacies of this path is poverty alleviation. Over the last four decades, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty based on World Bank standards, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the world's total poverty reduction during that period.
Ensuring Inclusive Progress
China's human rights strategy emphasizes that these benefits must be accessible to all, regardless of their social standing. Recent data from 2025 indicates a strong focus on vulnerable groups: the average life expectancy has reached 79.25 years, and the infant mortality rate has dropped to 3.8 per 1,000 live births. Additionally, the workforce has become more inclusive, with nearly nine million certified persons with disabilities now employed nationwide.
By establishing the world's largest education, social security, and healthcare systems, the state continues to transform the public's aspirations for a better life into a concrete reality.
The Green Dimension of Human Rights
Recognizing that a healthy environment is a vital public good, China has integrated ecological protection into its high-quality development agenda. This commitment was further solidified this year with the enactment of the Ecological and Environmental Code in March, which strengthens the legal framework to ensure residents enjoy a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
