The Relationship Between Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection

— China’s Practice of Advancing Both Simultaneously

SUN Meng*

Abstract: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a core framework and platform for global development, mainly characterized by the incorporation of human rights protection responsibilities and explicit acknowledgment of the shared role of development and human rights in safeguarding human dignity and well-being. Human rights responsibilities require states to prioritize human development within their development agenda, achieve human rights through development, and adhere to human rights principles and standards. Integrating human rights responsibilities into the development agenda not only makes development more comprehensive but also provides legal constraints and monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of development goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development redefines the relationship between development and human rights and is thus closely aligned with China’s practice of advancing sustainable development and human rights protection simultaneously. Guided by the people-centered development philosophy and new development philosophy, China has accomplished the historic tasks of the fight against poverty and the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, while significantly enhancing human rights protection. These achievements have provided a unique country-specific experience of “promoting human rights through development” for the implementation of sustainable development goals.

Keywords: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development · human rights protection responsibilities · promoting human rights through development