The 2025 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum took place on Tuesday in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward enhanced regional cooperation in the realm of human rights. This forum gathered over 60 participants, including government officials, scholars, and leaders from human rights institutions and social organizations across China and Central Asia, reinforcing the intent to create a cohesive and collaborative regional approach.
Building on Past Momentum
This year’s forum builds upon the momentum established during the China-Central Asia Summit, which was held in mid-June in Astana, Kazakhstan. The summit set the stage for deepening dialogues on governance and societal values, positioning human rights as a foundational aspect of the evolving geopolitical landscape in this region. The forum’s focus on cultural diversity, Asian values, and the shared future for humanity aims to forge stronger alliances while respecting regional variances.
Emphasizing Cultural Diversity
During the opening ceremony, Xie Fuzhan, chairman of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, highlighted that human rights are a hallmark of human civilization and critical to the collective aspiration of a closer China-Central Asia community. His assertion that “civilizations differ by region, not by merit” underscores the importance of acknowledging cultural diversity in the advancement of human rights. Representatives were urged to learn from one another, leveraging their rich traditions to create a more inclusive human rights framework.
Diverse Perspectives on Human Rights
Contributions from participants illustrated the nuanced perspectives on human rights development. Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute for World Policy Study in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate for global human rights development. Praising China’s achievements in poverty eradication and health initiatives, he described the forum as an invaluable opportunity for mutual learning that aligns with the unique contexts of different nations.
Similarly, Mirzatillo Tillabaev from Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Center expressed that a comprehensive understanding of human rights necessitates investing in vital sectors such as transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure to bolster regional connectivity. He echoed the sentiment that development is a fundamental human right and called for increased cooperation under the frameworks of the United Nations human rights principles.
Focused Discussions on Women and Children
Breakout sessions provided a platform for delegates to engage in in-depth discussions about national progress concerning governance reforms and the rights of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Yuldasheva Govkherjan, a professor at Tashkent State University of Law, shared insights about Uzbekistan’s commitment to human rights education through annual summer school programs and vocational courses. Her assertion that “without human rights education, respect for human rights is impossible” emphasized the need for foundational educational initiatives.
The Role of Regional Dialogue
Delegates from various Central Asian countries, including officials from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the essential role of regional dialogue. The call for digital fairness, robust civil society engagement, and deeper collaboration under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative signifies a long-term vision for a prosperous and just community. By developing inclusive and culturally sensitive frameworks, these nations aim to address their unique challenges while aligning with global standards.
A Continuing Journey
This forum marks the third edition of the China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum, following previous meetings held in Beijing and Astana. The repeated convenings underscore a commitment to dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for ongoing efforts in human rights enhancement across the region.
In conclusion, the 2025 forum in Xi’an serves as a pivotal moment for China and Central Asian countries to forge a path toward mutual learning and progress in human rights. By recognizing cultural diversity as a strength and engaging in meaningful dialogue, the nations can collaboratively work toward a future where human rights are not merely a privilege but a universal standard.