An international human rights forum is getting underway in Beijing. The two-day conference focuses on the safety and development of human rights. Scholars from over 30 countries and international organizations are taking part in the event. Many participants are pointing out that some Western countries are using double standards on the human rights records of developing countries.

Addressing the opening session, Director of State Council Information Office Wang Chen says China's human rights campaign has made great strides.

A discussion forum on human rights in Beijing, with participants hailing from different parts of the world.

Addressing the opening session, Director of State Council Information Office Wang Chen says China's human rights campaign has made great strides.

Wang Chen, director of State Council Info. office, China, said, "The Chinese government has put the realization of the people's right to life and development at the top of its agenda. People's rights to life and development has been notably advanced. "

Since its reform and opening up three decades ago, China has made the rights to subsistence a top priority. With its rapid economic development, China has also attached more and more importance to development rights. This is a record hailed by many.

Many participants say a number of Western countries resort to a double standard when it comes to human rights issues.

Jon Von Doussa, president of Australian Human Rights Commission, said, "The impressive thing about China is the way in which it has improved its human rights of a great number of its people with the improvement of its economic situation, the western world continue to criticizing China for not progressing fast, its recognition for individual rights, but I think at the same time,the western world needs to recognize China is moving in the right direction in many fields."

Many participants say a number of Western countries resort to a double standard when it comes to human rights issues. They say these countries criticize the practices in developing countries, but turn a blind eye on their own problems.

Akamal Saidov, director of Nat'l Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan, said, "Some of the western countries in the world use the issues of human rights in political aims, the question of politicization and double standars and selectivity against some developing countries."

Negerian participant Luwairatu Mantu, said, "I would say double standards are not acceptable in any circumstances, not only in human rights. We have a different culture, the Chinese have a different culture, we would appreciate the situation where human rights are dealt within their own cultural contents. "

The Beijing forum on human rights provides a platform to hear many different voices. Participants hope the open-discussion format will help build a common ground.

In 2004, respecting and safeguarding human rights was charted in the Chinese Constitution. And for the first time, this concept was incorporated into the Constitution of the Communist Party last year. Human rights have changed from a political concept to a legal one. Implementing these provisions into government policy and the judicial process will be China's long term goal.