On Li Dazhao’s Human Rights Theory and Practice

XU Aiguo*

Abstract: Li Dazhao dedicated his whole life to advocating for legal rights, and his human rights theory and practice unfolded in the context of the International Labour Organization and the League of Nations from 1919 to 1920. His human rights activities encompassed both theoretical exploration and practical participation. In his early political commentary, Li Dazhao extensively discussed civil and political rights. Such terms as constitutionalism, democracy, freedom, separation of powers, political parties, speech, equality, elections, and political participation frequently appeared in his writings and were incorporated into his constitutional studies. After embracing Marxism, he paid greater attention to women’s political participation, labor movements, labor-capital relations, and labor legislation, actively supporting their rights movements. National self-determination was also a significant component of his human rights theory and practice. He focused on national issues, explored comparative studies of Chinese and Western cultures, and advocated for the right to national self-determination.

Keywords: Li Dazhao’s human rights theory · constitutional protection of human rights · women’s right to political participation · labor legislation · right to national self-determination