The second China-Latin America and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights is taking place today in Brazil, marking a significant step forward in global human rights collaboration. This event symbolizes a new chapter in the relationship between China and Latin America, two regions that together represent nearly one-third of the world’s population.
Despite their different histories and cultural backgrounds, China and Latin America are finding common ground in their approach to human rights. Both regions share a history of overcoming challenges and are now working together to promote mutual respect and understanding in human rights discourse.
Different Histories, Shared Goals
China’s perspective on human rights is deeply influenced by its history of overcoming foreign aggression and striving for national independence and development. The country emphasizes the importance of collective human rights and views the right to development as the foundation for all other rights. Over the past few decades, China has achieved remarkable economic growth, lifting millions out of poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
Latin American countries, after gaining independence from colonial rule, have faced military dictatorships and economic challenges. These experiences have led them to prioritize civil and political rights, democratic freedoms, and development opportunities. They also emphasize national sovereignty and the right to self-determination, opposing external pressures and sanctions.
Building a New Paradigm
Both China and Latin America agree on the importance of the right to development and the right to subsistence as fundamental human rights. They believe that without economic and social development, other human rights cannot be fully realized. Furthermore, they oppose the politicization of human rights issues and the use of double standards by some nations to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
The two regions advocate for cultural diversity and mutual learning. They assert that there is no one-size-fits-all model for human rights development and that each country should follow a path that suits its own national conditions and cultural traditions. This approach challenges the idea of a single universal model of human rights often promoted by the West.
Towards Inclusive Global Human Rights Governance
By engaging in open and respectful dialogue, China and Latin American countries are exploring ways to cooperate on human rights issues despite their differences. They share experiences and learn from each other’s successes and challenges in areas such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, democratic development, and judicial reform.
Their collaboration demonstrates that different countries can find unique and effective paths to human rights protection, contributing to a more just, balanced, and inclusive global human rights governance. Through practical actions and mutual respect, they aim to fulfill the human rights aspirations of their own people and offer new solutions to global human rights challenges.
