China works to raise public awareness for human rights protection: white paper

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- China has endeavored to raise public awareness of the rule of law and comprehensively govern the country by the rule of law, said a white paper issued by China's State Council Information Office on Friday.

According to the white paper, titled "New Progress in the Legal Protection of Human Rights in China," such efforts were meant to create a conducive social environment for legal protection of human rights.

State officials elected or appointed by people's congresses at all levels and by standing committees of people's congresses at county level or above are required to take an oath on the Constitution in public when assuming office. The goal is to encourage and inspire them to be loyal to, stick to and safeguard the Constitution and enhance the enforcement of the Constitution, the white paper said.

Almost all elementary and middle schools had designated vice principals or counselors in charge of education on the rule of law, it said, adding that all these schools have added rights of the person, right to education, and economic rights to their curricula, along with teaching activities to enhance the students' awareness of their rights.

With the aim of promoting good faith, respect for the law, and operations in accordance with the law, enterprises are urged to enhance education on the rule of law and make employees aware of the protection of their rights and interests, the white paper said.

Also, people's right to self-governance at the community level had been guaranteed and the role of people's organizations and social organizations in protecting citizens' rights was given full play, it said. Enditem