China human rights progress further in 2012

The Chinese government has released a white paper detailing the country's progress made in human rights in 2012. It stresses China has made great efforts in improving people's living standards and increasing room for citizens to express their opinions. Meanwhile, it says development is the key to solving all existing problems.

China has prioritized people's rights to subsistence and development.

In 2012, the annual per capita net income for both urban and rural residents increased. Hefty investment was directed to poverty reduction programs, housing conditions were improved for both urban and rural residents. The state has made proactive efforts to boost employment.

Practical measures have been taken to ensure citizens' right to be informed and right to be heard.

In 2012, more than 90 central government departments made their budgets and expenses for official receptions, vehicles and overseas trips known to the public. Internet has become an important channel for citizens to exercise their right to know, participate, be heard and supervise.

Citizens' right to health is also better protected.

China has established a medical care system that covers both urban and rural areas. Marked improvement has been witnessed in equal access to basic public health services. The average life expectancy of the Chinese people reached 74.8 years.

Citizens' right to education is further protected.

The expenditure from public finance on education increased from about 1.3 trillion yuan in 2010 to more than 2 trillion yuan in 2012.

Democracy building at the grassroots level further expanded citizens' right to participate.

By the end of 2012, direct elections had been held for over 98 percent of village committees across the country.

New progress related to human rights protection has also been made in the judicial field.

China has enforced strict controls over and prudently applied the death penalty while protecting the rights of detainees.

China is working hard to build a beautiful country. Citizens' right to good eco-environment is further secured.

By 2012 the vegetation coverage of grasslands across China had reached 53.8 percent, an increase of 2.8 percentage points over 2011.