Full coverage: China 2012-2015 Human Rights Progress Review

The Chinese government on Tuesday released a report reviewing progress made in human rights from 2012 to 2015, and pledged greater efforts on the issue in the future. The report covers a wide variety of areas, ranging from economic, social, cultural rights to political rights. CCTV’s Zhong Shi joins me now with more details.

Q1. It’s a lengthy report but again human rights issues are complicated. Walk us through some of the report's highlights.

A1. The report actually reviews the National Human Rights Action Plan from 2012 to 2015. Here are some of its major conclusions. China has made poverty reduction a priority in its efforts to ensure human rights. Between 2012 and 2015, the poverty-stricken population in rural areas was down almost 67 mln people. The poverty line was raised from 23 hundred yuan to 28 hundred yuan, or about 430 US dollars of annual income. In the meantime, the unemployment rate held at 4.1%, well under the 5% target. 95% of employees had basic medical insurance. Over 80% participated in the basic pension scheme. Work safety accidents were also down. Compared to 2011, the number of accidents and the deathtoll were down 19% and 12.4% respectively in 2015. And, religious activities were protected. Venues for religious activities and schools received visible support. 200 million yuan was spent on renovating and expanding religious venues in Tibet alone between 2011 and 2015. Again, just like you said, it’s a very long report and it goes on to list many other achievements, protecting political rights, and rights of women, children and the elderly.

Q2. I understand that the report also says that the Chinese government has actively responded to hot social issues and calls from the people. What achievements have been made in that regard?

A2. You’re right. Some of the changes did happen in light of social events and appeals from the people. At the end of 2013, the "reeducation through labor” system, known as Laojiao, was abolished. The correction system had been in place since the 1950s, where minor offenders were taken in when their offence was not severe enough for court. In 2015, four categories of prisoners were granted special pardon. 9 crimes punishable by death penalty were removed, leaving the number of crimes punishable by death at 46. That being said the report does point out that the government is keenly aware of many challenges, like the gap between urban and rural areas and problems of immediate concern to the people's welfare including medical care, education, old age care, food and drug safety, income distribution and environment.