July 1, 2022 -- The China Society for Human Rights Studies held a seminar via video link on Thursday about legal protection for marginalized groups, during which it called for closer attention to be given to women, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

 

Themed "Mainstreaming Human Rights: Equal Access to Justice for Marginalized Groups", the seminar was a side event at the UN Human Rights Council's 50th session.

 

The event was co-organized by the Wuhan University Institute for Human Rights Studies, Wuhan University Academy of International Law and Global Governance, China Disability Research Society Rights Protection Committee, and Wuhan East-lake Institute for Social Advancement.

 

Specialists from China and elsewhere shared their work experience, ideas, and suggestions on helping marginalized people at the session.

 

Zhang Wanhong, head of the Wuhan University Institute for Human Rights Studies, spoke about China's work for marginalized groups during recent years, and added that Beijing has taken steps to eliminate discrimination and ensure sustainable development for marginalized groups.

 

Lucy Williams, a professor from Northeastern University Law School, recalled the tortuous process women suffering from domestic violence in the United States went through to obtain judicial support, something she said was connected to a lack of government responsibilities, an imperfect legal system, and deep-seated social and cultural reasons.

 

Liu Xiaonan, a professor from China University of Political Science and Law, said China has stepped up its efforts to improve its judicial system in relation to protecting women's rights, with convenient and highly-efficient public legal services available for the elderly, people with disabilities, single mothers, and people on low incomes.

 

Scholars also shared their opinions on some other issues, such as how legal assistance for people with mental health issues can be improved, as well as challenges and plight of American Indians.