ZHOU Yuyao*

 

Abstract: As a key document in the international human rights legal system, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection in the guarantee of the rights and interests of persons with disabilities and sets a standardized framework for the global construction of barrier-free environments. China’s first special legislation focusing on the field of barrier-free construction — the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Construction of a Barrier-free Environment, emphasizes in its legislative purpose the elimination of social participation barriers for persons with disabilities. Through systematic institutional design, it incorporates the construction of barrier-free environments into the track of rule of law, marking an important transition in China from policy guidance to legal regulation in the field of protecting the rights and interests of special groups. It further reflects respect and protection for the rights of special groups and demonstrates China’s practice and promotion of the spirit of international human rights protection in the construction of barrier-free environments. The enactment of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Construction of a Barrier-free Environment is of great significance for studying how China implements the guiding principles of international treaties through domestic legislation and practice, enriches the theory of international law, and promotes the development of human rights protection practices. Under the joint action of these two laws, related policies, and international cooperation, China will continue improving the level of human rights protection and provide more Chinese wisdom and approach for the global human rights cause.

 

Keywords: Law on the Construction of a Barrier-free Environment · Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities · human rights protection · implementation of international treaties