Chongqing - The "Human Rights Action in China 2026" thematic tour in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality kicked off on June 6, bringing together human rights experts from more than 20 countries and international organizations, including Peru, Nepal, Argentina, and the African Union, as well as Chinese scholars and journalists. Throughout a series of site visits, the delegation was impressed by how China's development blueprint translates "people's happiness" into tangible improvements in daily life.

The "China's Human Rights in Action 2026" thematic tour in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality kicked off on June 6, bringing together human rights experts from over 20 countries and international organizations. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Renewed community prioritizes everyday life for residents

In the first stop, the foreign delegation visited the Minzhu Village Community, a former residential compound for workers of a major industrial plant in the city.

Built between the 1950s and 1990s, Minzhu Village used to be a run-down neighborhood. In 2022, the local government launched an urban renewal pilot project, adopting a strategy of "preservation, renovation, demolition and addition" to retain the community's historical features while improving the living environment. The renovation covers an area of 0.43 square kilometers and houses 3,669 households with a permanent population of 8,054. 

The delegation members tasted local Chongqing chili peppers while visiting the market in Minzhu Village. (Photo/DENG Nan)

From a trendy fashion area and a community service area to a traditional marketplace, the new Minzhu Village has breathed new life into the old workers' community and has become a vital link between two commercial districts. Moreover, it was selected as a national pilot for the Complete Community program and the 15-Minute Community Life Circle initiative.

For Pauline Mutumba, Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, a key takeaway was the "accessibility" of services to ordinary people, including housing, health care and community service.

"When we talk about human rights, it's really about how people experience life," Pauline said. "It's interesting to see how things have improved, from housing quality to accessibility. People can walk to the nearby party offices if they have recommendations for improving the village. It reaches down to the common people. It's not far away, and it's good quality services."

Pauline Mutumba (middle) raised a question during her visit to the Minzhu Village Community Canteen. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Pauline added that the relationship between economic development and human rights is natural and complementary. "The beginning of human rights is socio-economic rights," she said. "If someone cannot access food or health care, there is no life to talk about. If we strengthen these rights, you will have better democracy and participation. This place is a model for how you achieve this."

Ecological wetland park becomes model of green conservation

The delegation's second stop was the Shuanggui Lake National Wetland Park in Liangping District. Originally a small-scale reservoir built in 1951, the wetland park began construction in 2015 and passed the acceptance review by the State Forestry Administration in 2017. The park covers a total area of 349.97 hectares, with a wetland area of 190.76 hectares, or a wetland ratio of 54.51%. 

"This wetland is a key part of the water conservation, climate regulation and flood storage in the upper Yangtze River," a park staff member said, adding that the park now serves as a critical ecological barrier in the region.

Shuanggui Lake National Wetland Park in Liangping District. (Photo/DENG Nan)

As the largest urban lake in the municipality, Shuanggui Lake National Wetland Park comprises rivers, lakes, and paddy fields, and has earned recognition for its biodiversity and improvements in water quality in recent years.

"I'm impressed by the diversity - the lake, the plants, the trees, and the birds that choose to stay here," said Radhia Jerbi Ep Chiha, President of the National Union of Tunisian Women. "This shows a big effort and a great concern for the environment, not just for the climate but also for the beauty and health of the community."

Radhia Jerbi Ep Chiha (right) carefully listened to the introduction of Shuanggui Lake National Wetland Park. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Radhia noted that preserving the environment is a human right, and the political commitment required to achieve such ecological progress is a strong message to the world. "I appreciate your efforts to preserve the planet. China is setting a good example," she said.

Abandoned mine site testifies to balance of environment and economy

Later, the delegation visited the "Mine Cafe," a high-end homestay on the site of a former gypsum mine and paper mill in Liangping's Lieshen Village. The facility, covering approximately 0.33 hectares, combines modern architecture with leisure and entertainment facilities, demonstrating how abandoned industrial sites can be repurposed into environmentally friendly businesses.

Mine Cafe. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Gerald Mbanda, a researcher and publisher from Rwanda focusing on Africa-China relations, said the transformation shows that environmental protection and economic development can be mutually reinforcing. "Environmental protection helps the ecosystems. We saw a lot of life coming back to the lake," Gerald said. "When the environment is protected, the air quality improves. China is doing very well in this regard."

Gerald Mbanda is tasting Liangping's local specialty snack: crispy bamboo shoots. (Photo/DENG Nan)

"China is the country that has made great progress in poverty reduction, lifting millions out of poverty in a short period. We need to know how China did it. The balance between the economy and the environment - that is exactly what we need to learn," said Gerald, who elaborated that African countries, including his own, are learning from China's experience, especially in poverty alleviation and green development.

The tour, which continues through the week, provides the international experts with deeper insight into how human rights are integrated into China's development framework.