**Global Challenges in Human Rights Protection and Governance: A Conversation with Enrique Nobrega, President of the Brazil-China Friendship Association**
**By Lin Chunyin, China News Service**
In a world increasingly marked by regional disparities, geopolitical tensions, and ideological divides, the risk of global conflict is rising. Compounding these challenges are the climate crisis and issues of migration. We wanted to understand the significant hurdles facing global human rights governance and explore possible solutions. Enrique Nobrega, President of the Brazil-China Friendship Association, shared his thoughts during an exclusive interview in Rio de Janeiro, where he emphasized that socialism with Chinese characteristics could provide a stable and prosperous pathway for current global human rights governance.
**China News Service:** Some critics contend that both communism and capitalism encountered failures during the 20th century. What is your perspective on this?
**Enrique Nobrega:** The 20th century was truly a time of both progress and setbacks. It was characterized by the recognition of human rights, rapid capital expansion, and the evolution of democracy, all while bearing the deep scars of two world wars.
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the Soviet Union, thinkers like Francis Fukuyama declared the end of ideological conflict, suggesting both systems had faltered. Yet, contrary to those predictions, many nations have pursued their own unique paths. China stands out as a particularly noteworthy example, showcasing a model of modern economic development and driving significant global change.
China is committed to modernization and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. It has initiated policies focused on innovative development, international collaboration, sustainable growth, and eradicating extreme poverty. These initiatives not only foster domestic progress but also pave the way for meaningful partnerships with other developing nations.
China offers the world a stable and prosperous future through the avenue of socialism with Chinese characteristics, illustrating the viability of integrating market mechanisms within a socialist framework. The crux of this approach lies in social transformation, emphasizing comprehensive poverty alleviation over mere capital accumulation, leading to what can be considered the largest poverty relief effort in history.
With substantial corporate restructuring and by harnessing the immense potential of its population, China has built a sturdy foundation that surpasses the scale of traditional Western maritime capitalist powers. This development cannot be overlooked; it is poised to impact humanity’s progress in the 21st century, particularly in improving countless lives.
**China News Service:** What are the primary challenges to global human rights governance in the 21st century?
**Enrique Nobrega:** The challenges we face in global governance today, especially regarding human rights, are vast. We must strive to preserve economic and social advancements while tackling urgent issues such as the climate crisis, technological disruptions, food insecurity in certain regions, and the protection of basic rights.
Numerous countries still contend with inequality, which exacerbates human rights challenges. Issues such as poverty, lack of education, inadequate healthcare, and social injustices represent significant barriers to achieving full human rights.
Regarding world peace, reliance on war as a means of resolving international disputes is no longer acceptable. Yet, conflicts persist, severely undermining human rights worldwide.
Countries like Brazil and China are crucial players in global governance and addressing these pressing issues. Brazil, as one of the largest food producers globally, alongside China—recognized as a powerhouse in industry, services, and technology—are setting vital examples in rectifying inequality.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative aims to bridge geographical, linguistic, and cultural divides, strengthening infrastructure and stimulating global trade. These initiatives and concepts are foundational for future development, positively influencing the economies of participating countries and directly impacting their human rights situations.
**China News Service:** You often highlight the significance of political and economic systems. Why is this so important?
**Enrique Nobrega:** The political and economic systems in a country are fundamental for maintaining achievements and driving reforms.
The lessons from the 20th century reveal that a political-economic system is crucial to a nation’s development and plays a central role in upholding human rights. Without institutional guarantees, rights cannot flourish. Institutions act as the “rules of the game,” providing a framework for realizing human rights. When formal rules fail, informal and illegal practices can become entrenched.
For example, disparities in wealth and achievement in different societies can often be traced back to the influence of political and economic systems on a nation’s trajectory.
In the political sphere, systems are established to create stability and reduce uncertainty in human interactions. Economically, institutions shape social opportunities, influence behavior, and affect production and transaction costs.
China’s political economy system has been pivotal in its development and human rights protection, especially since the reform and opening-up policy began in 1978. The transition from a planned economy to a market-driven one has been essential to China’s success. This “dual-track” system balances control over certain economic sectors with the adoption of market mechanisms, demonstrating the importance of national institutions.
After the revolutions and World War II, Europe successfully established a strong and inclusive political economy. Concepts of limiting power, increasing civic engagement, fostering religious diversity, and protecting human rights have collectively reinforced Europe’s path to success.
In comparison, while Latin America has made some strides in the 20th century, it still struggles with institutional challenges that impede the establishment of inclusive political and economic systems. Thus, the challenge in global human rights governance is to preserve the achievements of the 20th century while ensuring that citizens access basic welfare in the 21st century.
This endeavor demands the creation of a safety net built on inclusive political and economic systems. China’s experiences post-reform may serve as a model for developing countries in Latin America, as establishing basic social safety nets and promoting economic development can alleviate poverty and enhance living standards.
Consequently, addressing the challenges facing global human rights governance in the 21st century requires a robust and inclusive political economy. The diverse experiences of nations undergoing political and economic reforms can yield valuable lessons for other developing countries. To tackle these challenges effectively, it is essential to advocate for development, eliminate inequality, ensure fundamental rights for all citizens, and protect human rights.
