Chongqing - With the theme of Science & Technology and Human Rights, the 2025 Asian Forum on Human Rights International Symposium was held from April 19th to 20th at Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing. 

Experts studying human rights from China and other Asian countries convened there. They shared their insightful opinions on how science and technology have empowered the development of human rights, the challenges posed by technology to human rights, and potential solutions to address these challenges.

The forum also wrapped up with Chongqing Consensus, in which participants unanimously agreed that technology must be fundamentally oriented towards the protection of human rights; Asia needs to lead regional collaboration on human rights issues in emerging technologies; efforts should be made to build a equitable and inclusive global science and technology framework that advances the fulfilment of human rights. 

Notably, as the host city of the forum, Chongqing has achieved remarkable accomplishments in social welfare and human rights protection. Significant achievements have been made in poverty alleviation, the construction of the rule of law, and the protection of rights for specific groups. Through industrial poverty reduction, relocation programs, and policy support, all regions in Chongqing have been lifted out of poverty, marking a historic success in eradicating absolute poverty. The establishment of a modern public legal service system ensures disadvantaged groups can access legal assistance, while the "Barrier-Free Mountain City" public welfare project enhances accessibility for people with disabilities. Innovative practices, such as Chongqing’s "Sign Language Lawyers" and the "Sign Language Experimental Class" at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, vividly demonstrate the deep integration of legal advancements and human rights development. These efforts collectively demonstrate Chongqing's commitment to promoting social equity and protecting the dignity and rights of all citizens.

Meanwhile, Chongqing is achieving leapfrog progress in fields such as intelligent connected new energy vehicles and digital empowerment in modernizing the governance of megacities. These advancements offer compelling examples and practical application scenarios for advancing human rights through technology.