Chinese, German experts discuss human rights protection in emergency response

BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A China-Germany forum on human rights development was held Thursday via video, at which experts from the two countries discussed the balance of public interests and individual rights and interests in emergency response.

At the forum, co-hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and German's Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation, Zuo Feng, vice chairman and secretary-general of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, expounded on the significance of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to the development of China's human rights cause.

"The Party's 20th National Congress took stock of the achievements of China's human rights cause in the new era over the past decade and outlined the path of promoting the all-round development of China's human rights cause through the Chinese path to modernization, drawing a bright future for the cause," Zuo said.

The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Zuo called on the two countries to respect each other and engage in dialogue, consultation, and cooperation, to jointly explore solutions to global issues and contribute more to world peace and development.

Sergio Grassi, Resident Representative for China, Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation, said the exchange of experience between German and Chinese experts and scholars on the protection of human rights in emergencies is of great significance for both sides.

Prof. Dr. Herta Daubler-Gmelin, former German Justice Minister, highlighted the state's role in effectively protecting the life and health of its citizens, as well as fully protecting their rights.

She briefed on the general situation of epidemic prevention and control in Germany, as well as discussed with Chinese experts in light of COVID-19 control measures.

Liang Wannian, executive vice-dean of Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University, systematically explained the concept, developing stage and related measures of epidemic prevention and control in China.

Hu Jianmiao, a law professor at the National Academy of Governance, introduced in detail China's law-based epidemic prevention, as well as the balance of public interests and individual rights and interests in this regard.