13. International Human Rights Law and the Establishment of Rule of Law in China

This chapter introduces the circumstances under which China acceded to United Nations human rights covenants. It also outlines the standpoint and attitude China maintains toward the International Bill of Human Rights. The chapter provides a review of Chinese human rights activities during the course of 2005, considering both government action vis- à-vis the International Human Rights Law, and other relevant incidents and activities. Historically, China has duly recognized the important function of international human rights documents in promoting and protecting human rights. Until 2005, China acceded to twenty international human rights covenants and protocols. The United Nations International Bill of Human Rights is composed of three parts: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966.