Human rights have been taken by the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a core concept for its governance and become an important theme of national construction and social progress in China, said an experienced human rights expert when commenting on China's progress in human rights.

"Human rights, as a concept, have become a constitutional principle, a mainstream subject in the political life of both the CPC and the state," said Dong Yunhu, vice president and secretary-general of the China Human Rights Research Association.

"This is the most eye-catching development China has achieved in the realm of human rights over the past five years," he said.

"Human rights now constitute a core governance concept of the CPC," said Dong in an article titled "Five Years of Breakthrough in China's Human Rights Cause".

While working to ensure China's development in a scientific manner and the harmony of the Chinese society, the CPC has spared no effort to improve the livelihood of the people and protect human rights, read the article.

As its latest major effort to that effect, the CPC made a historical revision to its constitution by enshrining into it the principle "respect for and protection of human rights" and calls for effort to "ensure the right of all members of society to equal participation and development."

"This epitomized the central role played by the principle of equality in protection of human rights and the role of fundamental importance protection of human rights assumes under the rule of law," said Dong.

"It points the way out for an all-round development of the country's human rights cause," said Dong.

Before this, "respect for and protection of human rights" has been for the first time enshrined in China's Constitution in March 2004, thus becoming a principle of paramount importance under the country's fundamental law.

"This shows the CPC's philosophy is consistent with the will of the state and the aspiration of the people, which is the essential requirement of the socialist system," said Dong.

In March 2006, the principle of "respect for and protection of human rights" was incorporated into the country's 11th five-year plan for economic development and social progress, which Dong described as an important theme for China's modernization drive.

It is clear that "respect for and protection of human rights" has become an important theme of China's endeavor for national construction and social progress, said the expert.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2008)