Chongqing - The symposium of Comparative Research on Private Law and Family Issues in the Perspective of Human Rights in China and Russia, was recently held in Chongqing, marking a significant stride in legal academia. 

The symposium attracted more than 20 experts and scholars from top Chinese and Russian universities and research institutions. It focused on private and family law topics such as property, reproductive and marital rights, consumer protection, and the rights of vulnerable groups. 

The discussions emphasized the mutual commitment to human rights protection in both countries' legal systems, offering directions for future research.

On March 16, the Southwest University of Political Science & Law signed a cooperation agreement with the Private Law Research Centre under the President of the Russian Federation, named after S.S. Alexeev (PLRC). (Photo/ Southwest University of Political Science & Law)

The event cemented a collaboration between the Southwest University of Political Science & Law and the Private Law Research Centre under the President of the Russian Federation, named after S.S. Alexeev (PLRC), through a cooperation agreement. This partnership seeks to enhance student exchanges, personnel training, scientific research, and joint publishing efforts.

PLRC is a unique governmental institution that performs research and educational activities in civil legislation and private law, marking it as a pillar of private law research in Russia.

Mikheeva Lidiya Yurevna, Chair of the Council of the PLRC, stressed the fundamental role of private law in safeguarding individual rights, particularly the right to private property. She pointed out the mutual recognition by Russia and China of the sanctity of private property rights and their stance against any form of unjust encroachment.

Yang Changyu, a professor at Yangzhou University, highlighted Russia's proactive and evolving data protection legislation compared to China's policy-driven legal framework. His analysis stressed the importance of the rule of law and jurisprudence in examining personal data protection in both nations.

Civil law practices in the human rights protection 

The symposium also explored the development of human rights. According to Zhang Yonghe, Executive Dean of the Human Rights Institute of Southwest University of Political Science & Law, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, two covenants were established: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The frameworks of these two covenants form the comprehensive concept of human rights.

Zhang emphasized integrating human rights into civil law requires further study and research. For instance, the complexity and protracted nature of land taxation in Ruisa is comparable to the issues China faces with houses with 30, 40, 50, or 70-year terms regarding the division and allocation of housing in privatization. This represents a challenge that every country must address.

"Russian jurists place great importance on individual and collective subjects and emphasize reflection. We believe that everyone has the right to be themselves, as well as the right to be a stranger," Mikheeva Lidiya Yurevna said. "Therefore, it is essential first to recognize this right and then to protect it."

She underscored the importance of human rights in both institutions' research and expressed eagerness to expand their collaboration into wider international scientific research beyond private law.

Tang Li, Vice President of Southwest University of Political Science & Law, marked the event as a significant step towards internationalization and developing global legal talents. He looked forward to future collaborations with the PLRC, underlining the value of these partnerships in enhancing legal studies.