Experts: All countries have right to choose own path for human rights development

All countries have the right to choose their own path for human rights development independently, said experts at an international seminar on human rights held on December 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

All countries should follow the basic principles of mutual respect, communication and mutual learning; strengthen solidarity and cooperation to promote common development; and work together to advance the cause of human rights, the participants agreed. 

Focusing on promoting human rights through development, the seminar was attended by over 20 experts, including scholars from think tanks, representatives of social organizations and media professionals from the human rights fields in China and Indonesia. 

Meanwhile, the 2025 China-South Africa Seminar on Human Rights was held in Pretoria, South Africa, on December 4. Experts said at the seminar that China and South Africa should strengthen communication and exchanges, actively build consensus on human rights development in the Global South, jointly advocate genuine multilateralism, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, help bridge the gaps between the North and the South and enable people of all countries to share the fruits of development.

Currently, global governance still faces challenges in promoting equitable development and protecting human rights, they said. China and Africa can work together to promote global governance reform, deepen cooperation in key areas such as poverty eradication and sustainable development, and jointly promote the building of a more just and equitable international order, they noted.

(Cover: The 2025 China-South Africa Seminar on Human Rights is held in Pretoria, South Africa, December 4, 2025. /China Media Group)