Around 30 law scholars from China's leading universities and research institutes gathered in Beijing on Monday to discuss human rights education in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The seminar, co-organized by Renmin University of China and China University of Political Science and Law, focused on human rights education of civil servants, members of the Communist Party of China (CPC), policemen and students.

Wang Gongyi, deputy director of the Ministry of Justice's Research Office said, China incorporated human rights protection into the constitution in 2004, a positive sign of human rights development.

"However, there is still much room for improvement in educating certain groups of people such as civil servants, especially local county-level civil servants," said Wang.

"Civil servants bear responsibilities for law enforcement and public affairs management. Their level of awareness in showing respect to the public's rights, represents a country's general level of human rights protection."

Han Dayuan, vice dean of Renmin University of China's Law School, said the university is considering setting up courses on human rights for the next spring term.

China's human rights development needs efforts of both the government and the public, said Han, also president of the China Constitutional Law Association.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2008)