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News-Clips (2025. 06 - 2025. 07)

2025-12-02 09:52:35Source: The Journal of Human Rights

June 2025

Chinese vice premier calls for consolidation of poverty alleviation work

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on June 5 called for unremitting work to consolidate and expand China’s poverty alleviation achievements, and to guarantee a smooth transition to assisting rural areas on a regular basis.

Continuous efforts must be made to prevent a large-scale relapse into poverty or the occurrence of poverty, Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said at a related conference in Beijing.

After declaring its eradication of absolute poverty in 2021, China established a five-year transition period dedicated to consolidating and building on the outcomes of its poverty alleviation campaign, and to integrating those outcomes with rural vitalization.

From: Xinhua

China’s Xizang maintains stable ecological environment in 2024

The eco-environmental quality of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region remains stable and continues to improve, and Xizang is still among the areas with the best environmental quality in the world, according to an official report released on June 5.

In 2024, both air and water quality in Xizang remained excellent, and the region has established six national-level ecological quality monitoring stations, according to an annual report issued by the regional department of ecology and environment.

From: Xinhua

New guideline stresses improved social security for low-income groups

China will intensify efforts to optimize its social insurance systems, assist low-income groups and ensure the public has fairer, more balanced and accessible social services in education, medical care, as well as elderly and child care, according to a new guideline.

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, China’s Cabinet, jointly released the guideline on June 9. The guideline emphasizes securing and improving people’s livelihoods by addressing pressing issues such as education, social insurance, health care, and care services for children and the elderly.

From: China Daily

China issues guidelines on further improving people’s well-being

China on June 9 issued a set of guidelines on further safeguarding and improving public well-being, and resolutely addressing the most pressing concerns of the people.

The guidelines, jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, aim to promote a more equitable, balanced, inclusive, and accessible development of public services.

The guidelines stressed the need to provide social insurance subsidies to eligible university graduates and individuals facing employment difficulties.

From: Xinhua

Cultural creations made by Chinese women with disabilities showcased at UN headquarters

The 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities convened in New York on June 10. Concurrently, to mark the inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, a special exhibition, “Beautiful Crafts Workshop Blooming in New York,” opened at the UN headquarters on the same day, featuring over 200 exquisite cultural and creative works made by Chinese women with disabilities.

Representatives from UN Women and other international organizations, along with guests from around the world, visited the exhibition and praised the cultural and artistic value embodied in the works. Foreign delegates engaged in conversations with attending staff while visiting the exhibition, learning about the stories behind the exhibits and gaining insights into China’s innovative efforts and positive practices in promoting employment and entrepreneurship for women with disabilities and safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities.

They lauded China’s remarkable achievements in ensuring the equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and helping them realize their full potential, saying these offer valuable experience for the global disability community.

From: cdpf.org.cn

China ramps up efforts to boost public welfare, address key social needs

China is intensifying its endeavors to enhance public well-being, pledging to expand access to basic public services and address the most pressing concerns of its citizens in areas such as education, healthcare, elderly care and childcare.

Central authorities recently unveiled a set of measures targeting the most immediate and tangible issues affecting people’s lives.

While China has made historic progress in improving public welfare over the past decade or so, such as lifting nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty and building the world’s largest social security system, more efforts should be made to address the imbalances and gaps in public service delivery, Xiao Weiming, deputy secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on June 10.

From: Xinhua

Top court backs online consumers against fraud

China’s top court has urged judges nationwide to intensify efforts to combat fraud in online consumption, making every effort to protect consumers’ legitimate interests and promote the healthy development of the market.

On June 16, the Supreme People’s Court highlighted the significance of consumer protection in the digital space by disclosing details of five notable cases. It reaffirmed that the growth and expansion of online consumption must occur within the framework of the rule of law.

From: chinadaily.com.cn

China calls for advancing human rights through security, development at UN meeting

China has urged the international community to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and promote human rights through security, development and cooperation.

Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, made the remarks on June 17 while delivering a joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights through Dialogue and Cooperation at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

From: CGTN

Side event at 59th UNHRC session highlights global development equity

A panel of global experts and policymakers on June 18 discussed the urgent need to ensure equitable development for all during a side event of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

The side event, entitled “Promotion and Protection of the Right to Development,” was co-hosted by the United Nations Association of China (UNA-China) and the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations at Geneva.

Representatives from the diplomatic corps in Geneva, UN organizations and Chinese civil society organizations emphasized that development is not only a right in itself but also a foundation for the enjoyment of all other human rights.

From: CGTN

China unveils initiative to safeguard personal information of minors

China has unveiled an initiative to safeguard the personal information of minors, aiming to ensure their healthy growth, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on June 19.

The initiative details 15 measures across five areas, including boosting industry self-discipline, and developing specialized products and services tailored to the physical and mental characteristics of minors.

It also calls for the clarification of rules on the handling of minors’ personal information, and for the establishment of smooth channels for requests related to personal information, corrections and deletions.

From: Xinhua

China mulls measures to identify harmful online content for minors

The Cyberspace Administration of China on June 20 released a set of draft measures for identifying online information that may affect the physical and mental health of minors.

According to the draft, now open for soliciting public feedback, such information includes content that may trigger or induce minors to “imitate unsafe behaviors, commit acts violating social ethics, develop extreme emotions, or form harmful habits.”

From: Xinhua

China, Hungary hold symposium on intl human rights, civilizational dialogue

Experts, officials, and scholars from China and Hungary convened on June 24 in Budapest for a symposium on international human rights, emphasizing the importance of dialogue among civilizations and the need for balanced, inclusive approaches to global human rights governance.

Held under the theme “Consensus on International Human Rights: Retrospect of the Past 80 Years and Prospects of the Future,” the event reflected on the evolution of human rights since the founding of the United Nations eight decades ago.

From: Xinhua

China speaks for nearly 90 countries on promoting global women and girls’ development at UNHRC

Li Xiaomei, deputy head of the Chinese delegation to the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), delivered a “Beijing+30” joint statement on behalf of nearly 90 countries including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Belgium, South Africa and Japan at the council’s annual symposium on women’s rights on June 24th, calling on all countries to join hands to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and promote the development of global women and girls’ causes.

From: en.humanrights.cn

China mulls law to improve social assistance system

Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft law designed to ensure basic living support for people in need.

The draft law on social assistance was submitted on June 24 to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the national legislature, for its first reading.

The draft expands the scope of social assistance and strengthens its role as a safety net for those in need.

From: Xinhua

NPC considers revision of medical insurance law

Chinese lawmakers are mulling over a draft revision for the medical insurance law that would improve the nation’s basic healthcare insurance system and strengthen safeguards for access to medical services.

Highlights of the draft include boosting coverage for gig workers, adjusting reimbursement range at times of acute disease outbreaks and strengthening supervision over fund management.

The draft was submitted to a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for first review on June 24.

From: China Daily

China-Europe seminar highlights human rights protection in digital-intelligent era

Facing the backdrop of the evolving new era of digital technologies, the 2025 China-Europe Human Rights Seminar was held in Madrid, Spain, on June 25, focusing on the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on human rights.

Under the theme “Human Rights in the Context of the Digital-Intelligent Era,” experts, scholars, government officials, industry representatives, and other stakeholders from the human rights fields of China and the Europe engaged in in-depth discussions, culminating in the adoption of a consensus document.

From: CGTN

Human rights protection stressed

The 2025 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights concluded on June 25 in Madrid, Spain, with a consensus document calling for human rights protection and cooperation in the digital intelligence era.

About 120 Chinese and European experts, scholars, government officials, industry representatives and other stakeholders from the human rights fields engaged in in-depth talks on the subject of human rights in the era of digital intelligence.

The consensus document calls for upholding human rights values to promote the benefits of digital intelligence technologies; ensuring a secure and trustworthy digital-intelligence rights environment; promoting global sharing of digital intelligence rights with openness; promoting universal access to digital intelligence rights and interests through development; ensuring nondiscrimination and timely rights relief with transparency; and building a community with a shared future in cyberspace through cooperation.

From: chinadaily.com.cn

Experts welcome Chinese wisdom on global human rights governance

Experts praised the important contribution of Chinese wisdom to global human rights governance at a reader’s colloquium on June 26 in Madrid, Spain.

The reader’s colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights brought together more than 80 participants from the political, economic and cultural sectors, including Chinese and Spanish experts, scholars and heads of social organizations.

Scholars and experts called the book a window into China’s evolving human rights philosophy, helping dispel longstanding biases and misunderstandings.

From: CGTN

Top court establishes special department to protect lawyers’ rights

The Supreme People’s Court has established a specialized department to engage with lawyers and enhance their protection, marking the first such initiative by China’s top judiciary body.

In an announcement on June 26, the top court explained that the newly established institution within its research office aims to further safeguard the legitimate rights of practicing lawyers, conduct in-depth research on judicial policies for lawyer protection, and collaborate with other authorities to enhance the legal framework surrounding lawyers, ultimately bolstering human rights protection.

From: chinadaily.com.cn

Chinese human rights delegation visits Greece, promotes exchanges

A delegation led by Baima Chilin, president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, concluded a three-day visit to Greece on June 27, aimed at strengthening exchanges and mutual learning.

The visit, held from June 25 to 27, included Baima Chilin’s participation in an international symposium on human rights wisdom in classical civilizations and meetings with George Katrougalos, former Greek foreign minister and current UN Human Rights Council independent expert on international order, and Ioannis Theofanopoulos, former ambassador to China and president of the Greece-China Association, among others.

From: Xinhua

Action plan to aid disabled job seekers

China’s central government has outlined plans to ensure the continued channeling of resources towards creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The State Council, China’s Cabinet, on June 29 released a three-year action plan to facilitate employment for people with disabilities, describing them as an important force in advancing Chinese modernization and emphasizing that ensuring their employment requires joint efforts from the government, employers and society.

The plan details measures to expand employment channels, improve job services and create a supportive social environment for people with disabilities seeking to work or start businesses from 2025 to 2027.

From: China Daily

July 2025

China to strengthen disaster management

China has intensified its efforts to build a disaster prevention and control system for droughts and floods in response to more extreme weather events brought about by global warming, officials said on July 4.

In response to new circumstances, China unveiled guidelines last month ahead of the country entering the main flood season, proposing accelerated construction of a new pattern for flood control and disaster reduction in the river basins by adhering to the principles of putting people first and emphasizing systematic and bottom-line thinking. The guidelines also indicated that China aims to significantly improve flood control capabilities by 2035, with a modernized river basin flood control and disaster reduction system largely in place.

From: China Daily

China speaks for over 70 countries on promoting accessibility through AI at UNHRC

A Chinese representative on July 4 delivered a joint statement on behalf of more than 70 countries at the annual thematic panel discussion on technical cooperation and capacity-building, held during the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The joint statement, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Promoting Accessibility,” was delivered by Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland. It called for strengthened technical assistance and capacity-building in this field to help all countries benefit from AI development.

The statement underscored that building an accessible environment is a hallmark of human civilization and an essential safeguard for ensuring that everyone enjoys human rights. It noted that AI holds tremendous potential to remove physical, informational, and cultural barriers through innovative solutions and to foster inclusive social development.

From: Xinhua

China strengthens elderly care safety with new emergency response plan

China has released a national emergency response plan for elderly care facilities, aiming to better prepare these institutions for unexpected crises and emergencies, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on July 7.

The plan seeks to improve the response mechanism and enhance the ability of civil affairs authorities and elderly care institutions to manage emergencies and standardize response procedures, according to the ministry.

From: Xinhua

UNHRC adopts resolution by consensus, highlighting contribution of development to human rights

The 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on July 8 adopted by consensus a resolution titled “The contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights”, co-sponsored by China and 40-plus other countries.

This is the first time since China initiated the resolution in 2017 that it has been adopted by consensus without a vote.

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said the resolution reaffirms the vital role of development in ensuring the enjoyment of all human rights, highlights the importance of people-centered, high-quality development in meeting the growing aspirations for a better life and in advancing the full realization of human rights.

From: Xinhua

China allocates 100 billion yuan for work-relief programs

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced on July 8 that it has allocated additional 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) in central budgetary funds to strengthen the role of work-relief programs in promoting employment and income growth for key groups.

The funds will support 26 provincial-level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in implementing 1,975 projects, which are expected to generate a total of 4.59 billion yuan in labor remuneration, helping 310,000 key individuals stabilize their employment and increase their incomes.

From: Xinhua

China unveils guidelines to improve one-stop government services

China on July 8 released guidelines on providing regular, one-stop government services for major matters to improve administrative efficiency.

Efforts will be made to drive improved coordination across government departments and integrate government services in more areas, aiming to boost governance capabilities and optimize the country’s business environment, according to the guidelines, which were published by the General Office of the State Council.

From: Xinhua

China raises basic pension benefits for retirees

China announced on July 10 that it will raise basic pension benefits for retirees in 2025, marking the 21st consecutive annual increase.

The monthly payment for pensioners is set to be lifted by 2 percent in general from the 2024 average level, according to a circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance.

The adjustment will prioritize groups with lower pension levels, the circular said.

From: Xinhua

Dialogue key to inclusive human rights

The 2025 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum convened on July 15 in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, as part of efforts to deepen regional cooperation on human rights.

More than 60 participants, including government officials, scholars and leaders of human rights institutions and social organizations from China and Central Asian countries, attended the event. The forum builds on momentum from the China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in mid-June.

The gathering focused on cultural diversity, Asian values, global human rights governance and the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity.

From: China Daily

China reports 4.8-percentage-point rise in employment rate for people with disabilities over 3 years

China has made steady progress in expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, with the national employment rate for this group increasing by 4.8 percentage points during the past three years, according to official data released on July 16.

These gains were achieved under the country’s first three-year action plan to promote employment of persons with disabilities (2022-2024), which helped create nearly 1.65 million new jobs for such people in both urban and rural areas, said Li Dongmei, vice chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), at a press conference.

Almost 1.43 million people with disabilities received verified vocational training during this period — significantly improving their job readiness and skill levels, Li noted.

From: Xinhua

Nation clears barriers for its disabled

China is on track to meet all 11 targets aimed at improving the welfare and social engagement of people with disabilities under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), officials announced on July 22.

Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, stated that people with disabilities have seen enhanced welfare support, increased job opportunities, and improved access to public services over the past four years.

From 2020 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of net income for households with family members living with disabilities surpassed 6.9 percent, closely aligning with the nation’s GDP growth.

From: China Daily

More occupations bolstering China’s employment market

China is spearheading job creation through the introduction of new occupations, providing diverse career paths and high-quality employment opportunities.

The move, led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, will align talent development with emerging fields and bridge skill gaps, an official said on July 22.

According to data released by the ministry on the same day, China added 6.95 million new urban jobs nationwide in the first half of the year, achieving 58 percent of this year’s target and maintaining a year-on-year urban unemployment rate of 5 percent in June.

From: China Daily

China is one of the safest countries in the world: official

China is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, a senior Chinese public security official said on July 23 when talking about achievements in the public security sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Qi Yanjun, vice minister of public security, made the remarks at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

According to Qi, public security organs have helped facilitate China’s high-quality development by resolutely safeguarding public safety. With their efforts, China has maintained one of the lowest incidences of fatal criminal cases, the lowest rates of criminal offenses, and the fewest cases involving firearms and explosives.

From: Xinhua

Readers’ meeting on book of Xi’s discourses on human rights held in Brazil

On July 24, a readers’ meeting was held on the book Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights in São Paulo, Brazil, bringing together over 80 political and academic representatives from China, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and other countries.

From: en.humanrights.cn

Long-term care insurance covers 190 million people in China

A total of 190 million Chinese people are covered by long-term care insurance by the end of 2024, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration on July 24.

The long-term care insurance fund has raised over 100 billion yuan (around 14 billion U.S. dollars) and paid out more than 85 billion yuan to date, Li Tao, deputy head of the administration, said at a State Council Information Office press conference outlining achievements during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

During this period, the insurance program has supported over 2 million people unable to care for themselves, reducing the financial burden of care services by more than 50 billion yuan, Li said.

From: Xinhua

China’s aging population takes to the web

China had 156 million elderly internet users aged 60 or above as of the end of last year, accounting for approximately 14.1 percent of the nation’s total online population, according to a report released on July 24 which highlighted the country’s progress in building an aging-friendly society.

The report, released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and China’s National Committee on Aging said upwards of 100 million domestic smartphones and smart TVs, along with more than 3,000 commonly used websites, had been adapted for easier use by elderly people by the end of 2024.

Additional efforts to simplify television operation have enabled 285 million households to access live broadcasts directly upon turning on their TVs.

From: China Daily

2nd China-Latin America human rights roundtable highlights cooperation for global governance

Experts from China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) exchanged their views on human rights development cooperation and the China-Latin America contribution to global governance at a meeting held here July 25.

The second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights, themed China-Latin American and Caribbean States Community with a Shared Future and the Development of Human Rights, brought together over 130 officials, experts, and representatives from social organizations, think tanks and media in the field of human rights.

From: Xinhua

The São Paulo Consensus: a Global South blueprint for human rights cooperation

The world stands at a pivotal juncture, characterized by escalating geopolitical tensions, resurgent unilateralism and complex global risks - the protection and governance of human rights face unprecedented challenges.

Against this backdrop, the Second China-Latin American and Caribbean States (China-LAC) Roundtable on Human Rights, which convened representatives from 20 nations in São Paulo on July 25, delivered a powerful statement: the São Paulo Consensus on China-Latin American and Caribbean States Human Rights Communication and Cooperation. This document articulates a distinct, cooperative vision for advancing human rights, rooted firmly in the perspectives and priorities of the Global South.

From: chinadaily.com.cn

Chinese police mobilized to aid flood relief work

Ongoing flood relief efforts have seen Chinese police evacuate and resettle 101,000 people, and rescue more than 1,800 who had been trapped by or in danger of flooding, the Ministry of Public Security said on July 29.

Police officers, particularly those in affected areas, have been told to work with relevant departments to carry out rescue operations and ensure smooth traffic flows, the ministry said.

They have also been urged to identify and address vulnerabilities, and to maintain law and order, particularly at emergency shelters, resettlement sites, supply depots and medical aid stations, the ministry noted.

It said that all-out efforts are required to protect people’s lives and property.

From: Xinhua

Lancang-Mekong countries talk human rights, development cooperation

Representatives from Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries convened to exchange expertise on human rights and development, and to jointly discuss the outline of a collaborative research paper under the LMC framework.

Officials and technical experts from LMC countries gathered for a workshop on joint research on human rights and development, held in northern Laos’ Luang Prabang province from July 28 to 29, Lao National Radio reported on July 30.

The meeting focused on several key areas, including human rights and development within the United Nations and regional frameworks, the integration of human rights into national policies and legislation, and a review of the draft joint study on human rights and development between Laos and LMC countries, along with future plans.

From: Xinhua

China to tighten protection of rights of people working after retirement

China will further tighten the protection of the working rights of people past retirement age returning to the job market, according to a draft regulation.

Five central departments including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Emergency Management jointly released the draft regulation on July 31. The five departments are currently soliciting public opinion until August 31.

It is the nation’s first document focusing on people past retirement age and their working benefits, reported Xinhua News Agency.

From: chinadaily.com.cn

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