Introduction to the Handbook on Human Rights in China

It is a daunting assignment to prepare a comprehensive introduction to human rights in China. For one thing, there are several different ways to approach the topic. If one focuses only on the current state of affairs, one risks overlooking the interesting and complex historical journey that China has taken to get there. One also must consider the approach to law and practice, since the compatibility of China’s framework of laws and regulations with its obligations to protect, respect and fulfil human rights obligations may look one way on paper and another way when it comes to implementation and enforcement.