Sceptics doubt move will make a difference
China is working on an 'action plan' in an unprecedented move to address some of the country's contentious human rights issues, but critics remain sceptical over how much change the plan will bring.
Quoting the Information Office under the State Council, Xinhua said yesterday the State Action Plan on Human Rights was a step towards creating a blueprint for the country's human rights development in the next two years.
The decision on the action plan comes three months before the United Nations Human Rights Council makes its universal review of the status of human rights. China has signed both international human rights covenants enshrined in the United Nations Human Rights' Charter but has refused to ratify an agreement on safeguarding civil and political rights.
Zhao Zhengqun , deputy director of Nankai University's Centre for Human Rights Research, said the action plan was working towards the country's eventual ratification of the covenant.
Professor Zhao, also on a panel working on the action plan, said the government's announcement reflected a sea change in China's attitudes towards human rights issues.
'The safeguarding of human rights had long been regarded as a liability brought by international treaties, but the action plan indicates that the government is now committed to that cause,' he said. 'The country shows more willingness to accept the concept of human rights.'