China has made significant progress in protecting children’s rights, according to a recent review by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group. The review, which was conducted on Tuesday, marks the fourth time that China’s human rights record has been evaluated by the UPR Working Group.
David Lopez, a human rights consultant from the International Association for Human Rights and Social Development (AIDHDES), noted that since China ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, the country has seen a remarkable evolution in the protection of children’s rights. He praised China’s efforts to improve medical care and child health, including expanding health care coverage and implementing vaccination programs.
Zhu Jingfang, a researcher at the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), highlighted the insufficient protection of children and adolescents’ human rights in many countries. She stated that Chinese social organizations have been actively engaged in safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents and are open to collaborating with international counterparts to advance the enforcement of relevant international treaties and public engagement.
Zhang Yong, deputy secretary-general of the China Federation of Internet Societies, emphasized the global consensus on the importance of online protection for minors. He stated that China has prioritized online protection for minors and has made significant strides in this area in recent years.
Yuan Xingyu, director of the China Association for Preservation and Development of Tibetan Culture, shared insights on the positive outcomes of boarding education in Xizang in safeguarding the rights of Tibetan children. He stated that boarding education offers equitable and high-quality educational opportunities for Tibetan children, serving as an effective means for them to develop into talented individuals and broaden their horizons. He dismissed the negative portrayal of Xizang’s boarding education by certain western media outlets as unjust and detrimental to the children.
Wang Feifei, deputy chief of Liaison Division of the International Cooperation Department of the China Family Planning Association (CFPA), highlighted China’s significant achievements in protecting the rights of adolescents in recent years. She noted the increasing active involvement of young people in the design, implementation, training, monitoring, and evaluation of adolescent health projects, signifying their growing participation throughout the entire process.
The UN human rights consultant’s review of China’s progress in protecting children’s rights is a testament to the country’s efforts in this area. From expanding health care coverage and implementing vaccination programs to prioritizing online protection for minors and offering equitable and high-quality educational opportunities, China has made remarkable progress in safeguarding the rights of its children and adolescents.