This paper surveys significant human rights movements across China and Asia, examining the individuals, organizations, and communities that have shaped recent history through activism and legal struggle. Topics include Rebiya Kadeer's Uighur self-determination campaign, labor rights advocacy for Chinese factory workers, NGO efforts on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS, Afghan women's fight for legal protections, Bihari citizenship rights in Bangladesh, and the Coalition of Cities against Discrimination in Asia and the Pacific. Together, these cases illustrate how diverse actors continue to challenge discrimination and advance human rights across the region.
There are numerous definitions of history adapted by different groups, yet they share a common feature: they refer to a period in the past. Among the definitions offered by WordNet (2011) is "the continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future." This definition is particularly relevant here, as it spans from past events to present-day happenings around the world.
It is apparent that history is never static but is continually being made by people and the events that surround them. Among the most notable recent examples are events in Asia and China. In these two regions there have been numerous fights for rights over the past decade and into recent years, events worth examining for the immense contribution they have made to the historical development of human rights.
One of the makers of history in China is Rebiya Kadeer, the most prominent leader from the western Chinese province of Xinjiang. She once advocated for a separate state but has since shifted her position, now pushing for self-determination rather than full autonomy. She heads the Uighur movement and has traveled internationally to strengthen support for the group (The Australian, 2009). The movement advocates for the illegalization of discrimination against Uighurs and for the protection of their religious and cultural rights, as well as the rights of similar groups.
Lan Yimin is another immigrant Chinese activist who has become a face of the struggle for factory workers' rights in China. She pushes for fair working conditions and wages commensurate with the country's economic growth. She makes clear that the demands of workers in China are economic, not political, so that authorities do not misconstrue the movement's intentions (The China Post, 2010).
"Afghan women challenge Karzai over discriminatory laws"
"Biharis win citizenship but face slow rehabilitation"
"APCaRD pushes local anti-discrimination policies regionally"
There are numerous examples that give evidence of the fight for rights across China and the Asian continent. The array of individuals and groups engaged with human rights issues has helped China, Asia, and the entire world to keep in check the forces that may hinder the development of humanity and the ongoing making of history.
You’re 42% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 3 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.