The Chinese government Sunday released a white paper on human rights in China in 2009, highlighting the role of Internet freedom and the country's efforts in safeguarding citizens' legitimate civil and political rights.

"The overall cause of human rights has been promoted in an all-round way," says the white paper, published by the State Council Information Office under the title "Progress in China's Human Rights in 2009."

Chinese netizens' right to freedom of speech on the Internet was protected in 2009 and the Internet has become a new channel for the Chinese government to gauge public opinion, and consequently improve its governance, the report reads.

It has become "common practice" for governments at all levels to consult the public via the Internet before formulating some policy, it says.

The white paper is China's 9th report on human rights since the country began releasing the document in 1991.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2010)