Modernization and the Diversity of Human Rights Among Civilizations

TAN Chunxu

Abstract: Human rights are an achievement of humanity and a symbol of progress. Respect for and protection of human rights are basic principles of modern civilization. Around the world, countries and regions have chosen different paths to modernization, which are rooted in their unique civilizations. To promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, facilitate human rights exchanges and cooperation between different countries, and advance the global development of human rights, on September 20, 2023, the 2023 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights was held in Rome, the capital of Italy. Under the theme of “Modernization and the Diversity of Human Rights Among Civilizations,” the seminar focused on discussing topics such as exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and the development of modern human rights philosophy, modernization and the free and well-rounded development of every person, sustainable development in the process of modernization, and the evolution of the civilization of human rights in the digital age. Participants reached the following consensuses at the event: First, the participants from various countries spoke highly of the great achievements that China has made in human rights cause and fully recognized China’s contributions in promoting the development and progress of the global human rights cause; Second, the participants from all countries agreed that it is necessary to discard the concept of “Western-centrism,” transcend the mindset of “cultural superiority,” promote human rights exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and inject new impetus into the diversity of human rights among civilizations; Third, participants reaffirmed that human rights represent an open concept, and that we should discuss the development of human rights with an open mind and jointly promote the progress of human rights in the world.

Keywords: China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights · modernization · diversity of human rights among civilizations · sustainable development · digital human rights