China's human rights concept is widely regarded not only as the result of the self-evolution of the Chinese civilization, but also the result of hundreds of years of integration of Chinese and Western cultures. At an international academic conference held in Changsha on Wednesday, domestic and international scholars shared their interpretations and understanding of human rights. Liu Jiaxin reports. 

From Qu Yuan of the Chu State's "wiping tears for the hardships of the people" to Tao Yuanming of the Eastern Jin Dynasty's longing for a paradise, the ancient Chinese people's understanding of human rights and their yearning for a happy life have been expressed over the ages. At Yuelu Academy, the world's oldest institution of learning, domestic and foreign philosophers, jurists and historians gathered to transcend geographical barriers and learn from the wisdom of history.

DENG WEI, Secretary of the CPC Hunan University Committee "As early as the Southern Song Dynasty, the textbooks of Yuelu Academy gave wonderful explanations of Confucian propositions such as 'there is no distinction between classes in education', 'people are similar in nature but different in habits', 'all people in the world are brothers", and "the people are more important than the king'."

LIU JIAXIN, Changsha, Hunan Province "In ancient China, sages have discussed human rights including political rights, civil rights and cultural rights. Their opinions have been passed down to the present day. These have not only been widely praised and carried forward by the Chinese people, but also resonated with the international community."

The Italian lady who gave the keynote speech in Chinese is Giuseppina Merchionne. Based on her years of research on the history of China and Italy, she said the two countries have commonalities in the understanding of human rights.

GIUSEPPINA MERCHIONNE, President of the Italy-China Centre for Collaboration and Cultural Exchanges of the Silk Road "Italy and China both have a long and excellent history and culture. We should use culture to create peace and human rights. What we call human rights means that everyone should have a good life, education, and medical care. But the most important condition is peace. Our two countries should work together to create human rights for the people of the world."

Consistent with the ancients' advocacy of "putting people first", participants said the world today needs human rights more than ever. Regardless of the size of a country, the length of its history, or the differences in their views on human rights, more people should be given the opportunity to live a happy life. Liu Jiaxin, CGTN, Changsha, Hunan Province.