In the aftermath of World War Two (WW2), the demand arose for a new international body that would help resolve future disputes between nation-states and prevent tensions developing into war. There was also a contemporaneous demand to establish a set of universally accepted and respected human rights which would be the same for all human beings and based on universality. Linked to this was a view that the international community has responsibility to ensure that such rights are protected, particularly for vulnerable people and minorities living within states. Thus, an international human rights oversight framework was demanded that could police and enforce agreed rights. A transnational consensus emerged that such a body could underpin a new world order and address the causes of armed conflict.
But how successful has this been?
What are the challenges relating to the protection and promotion of human rights?
What should be the direction and principles of the improvement of the global
human rights governance system?
And what role should China play in building the global human rights governance that is more equitable and inclusive ?