Editor note: To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, China Society for Human Rights Studies held a seminar on December 4 in Beijing. Over 70 experts and scholars discussed the spirit and significance of the declaration, China's concept of human rights and safeguarding them, as well as the new human rights protection issues in the digital age.Here's a speech at the seminar.
The Three Global Initiatives Contribute to the Sound Development of Global Human Rights Governance
Fu Zitang, Vice President of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, President of the Human Rights Research Institute, Southwest University of Political Science and Law
December 4, 2023
On the afternoon of November 27, 2023, when presiding over the 10th group study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that China will “actively participate in the reform and construction of the global governance system, promote the development of global governance in a more just and reasonable direction, promote global good governance with good international law, and help build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
There is no doubt that global human rights governance is inherent in this global governance. As early as December 10, 2018, in a letter to the seminar commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed to “promote the formation of a more just, reasonable and inclusive global human rights governance, jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind, and create a better future for the world.” This is the first time that General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed the concept of “global human rights governance”.
History always gives people the strength to draw wisdom and continue to move forward in some special years. The outgoing 2023 is such a special year. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and the 10th anniversary of China’s “the Belt and Road” Initiative and the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. China was recently re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council. This is the sixth time that China has been elected to the Council, making it one of the countries with the highest number of Council memberships.
Today, our world, our times, and history are changing in ways like never before.
General Secretary Xi Jinping made a profound analysis of the current international situation. He stressed that all countries should foster a sense of a community with a shared future for mankind, advocating for peace, development, cooperation and win-win results. On September 21, 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. On April 21, 2022, he proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI) at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. On March 15, 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting.
The Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) together constitute the Three Global Initiatives. From the perspective of human rights protection, the Three Global Initiatives are an effective solution to the problem of human rights deficit and the improvement of global human rights governance.
Examining the logical relationship between the core elements of the Three Global Initiatives, it can be seen that: Security is the prerequisite for development and civilization, as without a peaceful and tranquil environment, development and civilization would be impossible. Development is the foundation of security and civilization, as only through prosperity and development can peace be sustainable and civilization make progress. Civilization is the result of security and development, and in turn, it can provide spiritual support for security and development.
The Three Initiatives complement each other and are inseparable from each other. They together constitute a driving force for improving global human rights governance and promoting the development of the global human rights cause.
First, common development is the “master key” to promoting the protection of human rights.
Second, shared security is the “stabilizer” for the consolidation of human rights.
Third, collaborative civilization is the “lubricant” for eliminating human rights friction.
As the initiator and implementer of the Three Global Initiatives, China not only focuses on the happy life of the Chinese people but also devotes itself to the common well-being of humanity, providing important practical experience and guidance for promoting global human rights governance and building a community with a shared future for mankind through positive actions. Specifically, development promotes human rights, which solves global development problems; security safeguards human rights, which ensures world peace and security; cooperation promotes human rights, which builds a new form of human civilization.
Wei Yuan (1794–1857), a thinker and politician of the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912), said “It is difficult for those who are alone to rise, but it is easy for those who walk in crowds to advance.” To improve global human rights governance, it is necessary to pool the efforts of all parties. Government departments, international organizations, experts, and scholars committed to the development of the global human rights cause should strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and seek common ground while reserving differences.
First, we must adhere to peaceful development and lay a solid foundation for human rights development.
Second, we must adhere to equal development and practice the concept of human rights governance based on extensive consultation and joint contribution.
Third, we must adhere to inclusive development and enrich human rights civilization.
In conclusion, we need to work together to create a new form of human rights civilization while adhering to the principles of diversity, independence, openness, and inclusiveness; promote the common humanity values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom; build a more fair, just, reasonable and inclusive global human rights governance system; and create a better future for human rights protection.