This year marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first UN document to specifically address human rights. "As an influential historical document, it has played a positive role in imbuing people the world over with the ideal of human rights, and promoting the development of human rights across the world." Luo said.

He added, "China will make its contribution to the sound development of human rights throughout the world and will join hands with people of all countries to create a bright future."

Wang Chen, minister of the State Council Information Office

Wang Chen, minister of the State Council Information Office, who also attended the forum, said, "As a founding member of the UN and holder of a permanent seat on the Security Council, China always honors the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, attaches great importance to putting people first, upholds the principle that development is for the people, by the people, with the people sharing its fruits and entitles the people to political, economic, social and cultural rights according to law."

Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Mr. Sergei A. Ordzhonikidze, and Ms. Nina Karpachova, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, also delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. Mr. Sergei A. Ordzhonikidze introduced the UN’s efforts regarding the development of human rights and wished the forum every success.

The Beijing Forum on Human Rights was organized by the China Society for Human Rights Studies (CSHRS) and will last for three days from April 21 to 23. CSHRS President Luo Haocai said he hoped the forum would be held regularly to provide a platform for human rights experts at home and abroad to review the history of international human rights development, to consolidate and share experience on human rights protection and discuss future development.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Zhou Jing April 21, 2008)