Addis ababa: Representatives of African and Chinese universities are gathering in Addis Ababa to discuss human rights from a fresh perspective. The event marks the inaugural China-Africa Human Rights Seminar, co-organized by Ethiopia’s Policy Studies Institute (PSI) and several Chinese institutions. The seminar is centered around the theme “Building the China-Africa community with a shared future and working together to realize the right to development.”
According to Ethiopian News Agency, PSI Director-General Fekadu Tsega described the seminar as a “landmark platform to shape the future of human rights and governance and strengthen China-Africa collaboration.” He highlighted the significance of the year, noting it marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, where African and Asian nations first united to advocate for unity, equality, and cooperation. This historical solidarity, Fekadu stated, laid the foundation for the enduring China-Africa relations based on shared experiences and development cooperation.
Fekadu also referenced the 2024 Dar es Salaam Consensus, which recognized the right to development as a fundamental human right and a shared moral and political commitment to uplift millions from poverty and inequality. He stressed that the right to development can be advanced through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which should aim to create jobs, transform skills, and strengthen community participation beyond building infrastructure.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, emphasized that “China and Africa both belong to the developing world, and we have always been part of the community of shared future.” He advocated for a people-centered approach to human rights, which ensures that the benefits of development reach the people, making them active participants and beneficiaries.
Ambassador Chen also pointed out that development is a prerequisite for realizing human rights. He called for enhanced cooperation through platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to deepen collaboration in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. He highlighted the importance of high-level exchanges and think tank communication to share experiences in protecting livelihoods and promoting social justice.
The seminar aims to focus on key areas reflecting the connection between China and Africa, including jointly building the Belt and Road, realizing the right to development, fostering international solidarity, and promoting sustainable development.