Revisiting the Spirit of the UDHR and Discussing Human Rights Development——Summary of Views from the Seminar Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On December 4,2023,the China Society for Human Rights Studies hosted a seminar in Beijing commemorating the 75^(th) Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Participants discussed topics such as the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,China’s theories and practices in respecting and safeguarding human rights,the three global initiatives and global human rights governance,human rights protection in the digital age,and telling Chinese stories of human rights in the new era.The discussions led to a broad consensus and achieved positive results.

The Concept of the Soul of Multiverse as a Genuine Supporter of Wildlife and Biodiversity on Earth

This work used the cosmological neuroscientific concept of Soul of Multiverse for placing the problem of wildlife and biodiversity protection into a new philosophical environment where religious,scientific and philosophical approaches are in harmony.It resulted in the thought that the obligation of protecting wildlife and biodiversity on Earth,just as the sanctity of caring for all human lives,originated in cosmic laws set in the divine blueprints of the Soul of Multiverse.These laws seem to relay that in the 21st century the time has come on Earth to stop killing animals for food,to stop overhunting and overfishing,to stop industrial activities responsible for deforestation,desertification,air pollution and climate change,and to run animal experiments for science and medicine only in the extremely limited,most justified cases and only until new technologies make them no longer necessary.The conclusion was that to achieve these goals,new global governing mechanisms are needed.Specifically,the establishment of a Government of Earth,the next step of the political process that started with the United Nations in the first place,may be necessary to solve the global problems of wildlife and biodiversity protection since meaningful solutions for global problems require global governing mechanisms.

Conflict： Efficient State or State Under the Rule of Law？-- The Hungarian Case of the Victory of the Efficient State over the State Under the Rule of Law

This study is seeking an answer as to whether the efficient state and the state under the rule of law are indeed irreconcilable, as well as to whether these two categories are by nature to be seen as contrary concepts. The basic issue is whether efficiency is to be handled as an ＂extralegal＂ category, or whether legal regulation, in accordance with public administration traditions in Europe, can in itself meet the requirement of efficiency. Also the study presents the formation of the issue of conflict between the effective state and the state under the rule of law in Hungary after the election held in 2010 in the practice of economic policy and legislation of the Orban government. We are trying to answer the question of the tendency of power concentration to really menace the principles of a traditionally-formed state under the rule of law, as well as whether the economic policy of the government can be implemented effectively in a strongly centralized political and state administrative system.

Rebuilding and Integration of Rural Governance System Based on the Combination of Self-governance,Rule of Law and Rule of Virtue

The proposal that"the rural governance system based on the combination of self-governance,rule of law and rule of virtue should be completed"was put forward in the report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.There are many challenges for the development and difficulties for the governance of rural social transformation in the new era,so"the combination of self-governance,rule of law and rule of virtue"is realistically essential,having the objective inevitability and practical possibility.The fundamental and central role of the villagers'self-governance should be brought into full play to construct"the rural governance system based on the combination of self-govermance,rule of law and rule of virtue"under the guidance of the spirit of the 19th National Congress ofthe Communist Party of China,by taking the rule of law as the legal assurance and rule of virtue as the social affection support,managing to complete and optimize the rural governance system,realize the good and right governance in the rural society,boost the modernization construction process of the national governance ability,and realize the great objective of comprehensive rural vitalization of the"stability of the rural areas,development of the agriculture and happiness of the farmers".

Order of Precedence Between Local Laws of Cities with Subordinate Districts and Regulations of Provincial Governments Clarifying Premises for Discussion Based on the Characteristics of Laws

The lack of descriptions regarding the order of precedence between the local laws of cities with subordinate districts and the regulations of provincial governments in Legislation Law of the People's Republic of China(Legislation Law) has led to two divergent views. One holds that "the local laws of cities with subordinate districts should take precedence over the regulations of provincial governments," while the other supports the exact opposite. This is a value judgment issue in legislation. To reach a solution, we need to clarify the premises based on the characteristics of the laws in question so that a basic common ground can be established for discussion. The first premise for traditional legislation is that a law should be based on experience as well as logic; the second is that the experience of authority subjects, plus the three aspects of logic should outweigh the experience of social subjects, plus the three aspects of logic. With respect to postmodern legislation, the first premise is that experience should override logic, and the second is that the experience of the authority subject should take precedence over that of social subject, with no requirements for logical consistency. Since Legislation Law fal s into the category of postmodern legislation, according to the premises, the argument that the local laws of cities with subordinate districts should take precedence enjoys wider acceptance, but the view is logically challenged in terms of conceptual consistency, system consistency and principle consistency. More studies must be conducted to facilitate the discussion.

Research on the Scientific Meaning of Rule of Law in China

Beyond the existing academic viewpoints, clarifying the scientific meaning of the rule of law in China in the binary interaction between subject and object is the prerequisite for reifying the rule of law in China from an abstract symbol to a logic in action. The subject dimension of rule of law in China subsumes the legal consciousness, self confidence, independence and self-improvement of the subject. The object dimension of the rule of law in China focuses the relation mode and governance pattern between right and power. In the dimension of time, the rule of law in China is the unification of history and reality of China model. In the dimension of space, the rule of law in China is committed to seeking the right to speech, governance, management and development from the perspective of globalization.

Implications of Declining Ground Water and Water Quality in the US Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecoregion and Areawide Environmental Impact Statement Required for Mining in the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin—Part 1

Karst aquifers occur worldwide and exhibit groundwater flow responses that differ considerably from aquifers lacking fractures, bedding planes, and other karst conduits where significant and rapid groundwater flow can occur. The regional, karst Floridan aquifer system underlies the United States (US) Southeastern Coastal Plain Physiographic Region and exhibits hydrologic interconnections with overlying surficial aquifers and throughout other zones of the aquifer system, as is characteristic of other karst aquifer systems. Anthropogenic groundwater declines in this regional karst aquifer system have been documented in published literature for decades, but the impacts of those declines in this coastal plain region and the embedded ecosystems that provide essential and critical habitat for native, endemic, and federally endangered and threatened species have not been considered previously. Those anthropogenic groundwater declines reduce surfacewater levels and flows due to the capture of both groundwater and overland flow of surfacewater, resulting in induced recharge through semi-confining zones and interbasin flow through fractures and other karst conduits. This case study identifies examples from the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area and comparison areas of how those declines result in loss of historic base flow to surface waters and other capture of surface waters, ultimately increasing saltwater intrusion. Those results alter and degrade the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, in violation of the US Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972. Historic groundwater declines from mining and other anthropogenic groundwater withdrawals from this regional karst aquifer system already threaten the survival and recovery of federally endangered and threatened species, as well as existing and proposed critical habitat for those species within this regional extent, in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. This case study and its companion publication (Part 2) appear to be the first to provide scientific support for this regional karst aquifer system as the unifying factor in habitat responses to irreversible groundwater impacts on aquatic and marine ecosystems. These adverse impacts strongly suggest that the extent of the regional Floridan aquifer system should be designated as the Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecoregion for the purpose of managing natural resources. Mining activities continue to expand in our study area, which is the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. Despite that fact, no comprehensive Areawide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS), similar to the AEIS required for phosphate mining within the Central Florida Phosphate District (CFPD) approximately a decade ago has been conducted for any of the numerous mining projects that are occurring and are proposed within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also provides examples of why a comprehensive AEIS is essential to consider all of the adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of those mining activities to the CWA, the ESA, and the irreversible losses to local economies, because federal agencies responsible for considering those adverse impacts rely on public comments to identify those adverse impacts. The mining activities authorized throughout the regional Floridan aquifer system under Category 44 Nationwide Permits (NWP) result in the same type of adverse impacts as the mining activities evaluated under Individual Permits in that region. Therefore, those Category 44 NWP mining activities also should be required to obtain Individual Permits and be evaluated under an AEIS in the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also describes how Florida’s assumption of the CWA Section 404 regulatory authority in 2020 severs four sub-basins within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area at the state line between Florida and Georgia.

Digital Development Rights in Developing Countries:Where the Governance Rules for Cross-Border Data Flows

The digital development rights in developing countries are based on establishing a new international economic order and ensuring equal participation in the digital globalization process to achieve people's well-rounded development in the digital society.The relationship between cross-border data flows and the realization of digital development rights in developing countries is quite complex.Currently,developing countries seek to safeguard their existing digital interests through unilateral regulation to protect data sovereignty and multilateral regulation for cross-border data cooperation.However,developing countries still have to face internal conflicts between national digital development rights and individual and corporate digital development rights during the process of realizing digital development rights.They also encounter external contradictions such as developed countries interfering with developing countries'data sovereignty,developed countries squeezing the policy space of developing countries through dominant rules,and developing countries having conflicts between domestic and international rules.This article argues that balancing openness and security on digital trade platforms is the optimal solution for developing countries to realize their digital development rights.The establishment of WTO digital trade rules should inherently reflect the fundamental demands of developing countries in cross-border data flows.At the same time,given China's dual role as a digital powerhouse and a developing country,it should actively promote the realization of digital development rights in developing countries.

A Study of the European Union’s Path for Constructing Digital Governance Rules and the Logical Implications of the Path

The European Union(EU)seeks to build a Europe fit for the digital age.For this purpose,the EU has accelerated the process of catching up with digital technology and issued a number of legal and regulatory documents to establish a digital governance rule regime with EU characteristics.This paper analyzes the EU’s path towards the construction of digital governance rules.This path is composed of three aspects,i.e.,strict digital supervision,differentiation of the free market,and multi-stakeholder governance.This three-step path has intrinsic logical implications.That is,strict digital supervision is applied to defend the EU’s unified market and values;differentiation of the free market takes the principle of adequate protection as the core to make the EU an exporter of rules;multi-stakeholder governance brings multiple stakeholders together in the governance to deal with the ethical anomie that arises during the use of big data.By setting up a series of digital governance rules,the EU seeks to achieve rule dominance to gain regulatory power for global digital governance.However,due to multiple constraints,there is a long way to go,and there are obstacles in the way.

The Three Pillars of Sustainability Framework: Approaches for Laws and Governance

The three pillars of sustainability framework is a multidisciplinary implementation and solutions oriented approach that recognizes most successful and scalable sustainability solutions require the presence of, and are driven by, all three pillars simultaneously: 1) technology and innovation;2) laws and governance;and 3) economics and financial incentives. The three pillars framework is strategic because it often reveals or describes specific and feasible changes that advance sustainability solutions within markets and institutional settings. The section on technology discusses the crucial role that technology plays in creating new ways for doing more in our rapidly urbanizing communities by using less resources and energy inputs. The section on economics discusses problems with current conceptions of economic welfare that measure growth (flow) rather than the asset base (wealth), and explores possibilities for integrated and multidisciplinary analysis for coupled economic and social systems. The section on laws and governance considers the role of legal frameworks related to incentives, regulatory baselines, and in public policy formation, including influences and feedback effects from social norms, changing culture, and sustainability education. Technological development and engaging economic markets are at the center of our best and most rapidly deployable sustainability solutions. In that context, a specific focus is given throughout the discussion sections to the key role of laws and governance in supporting relevant, effective, and sustainable technological and economic development, as well as to highlight the crucial (often final) steps the law plays in successfully implementing new sustainability projects. As the discussions and examples (taken from Asia, the US, and Europe) demonstrate, the three pillars framework is flexible and useful in a number of contexts, as a solutions template, as an integrated planning approach, as a decision making guide, and for determining project priorities.

An Overview of the New Listing Rules and Corporate Governance Best Practice in Sri Lanka

Corporate governance represents institutional structures and incentive mechanisms that are implemented in order to mitigate the principal-agent problem and to thus promote the long-term competitiveness of the firm. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of corporate governance best practice and the new listing rules in Sri Lanka. The paper discusses the evolution of the corporate governance best practice giving special reference to the new listing rules in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan stock market overview and the importance of best practice governance for the developing economy of Sri Lanka. Corporate governance practices in Sri Lanka has made a progress towards best practice, but, this paper argues, that substantial reforms need to be implemented to effectively promote and sustain the accountability and transparency.

The general laws of the evolution of the county governance in our country before the founding of the new China

Since the Qin Dynasty started the county system to the foundation of China, ＂county＂ has been the basic unit of the centralized state in our country. Although the county-level governance mode is stable, its evolution has laws to follow. Generally speaking, the rules are that the scale of the county government is small for a long time and the governmental functions in the long term are fixed. The roles of the clan organizations in the social governance are increasingly strengthened and the slow development and roles of other social organizations outside the clan organizations are increasing.

Analysis of New Model of "Rule by Three Committees" and Discussion on Construction of Villagers' Self-governing Organizations in China

This paper introduces the operation model of "rule by three committees", including the members of "three committees", functional constitution of "three committees", and relationship between restriction and coordination of "three committees". By referring to the villagers' self-governing system in China, and the relevant provisions in Constitution and Village Committee Organization Law, we take into account the legitimacy of "rule by three committees". In terms of the details of system design, we perfect the new model of "rule by three committees" as follows: make the conditions of holding office stringent and ensure the quality requirements of members of "three committees"; standardize the procedures of election, and guarantee the equitable election of members of "three committees"; perfect dismissal procedure, and strengthen the supervision on members of "three committees".

On the Duty of the Government to Safeguard the Right to Water

The right to water is an emerging sort of human rights aiming to protect the right to water indispensable for the survival and development of individuals. From the perspective of International Human Rights Law, the paper analyzes the standards stipulating the international obligations to safeguard the right to water, inspects the state quo of the protection of the right to water in China and demonstrates the lawful suggestions to safeguard the right to water.

Coordinate Rule of Law Efforts in Both Domestic and Foreign-Related Matters

Taking a coordinated approach to promoting the rule of law at home and in matters involving foreign parties stands as one of the essentials of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law.The profound essence of this concept is predominantly articulated through the dialectic nexus between the rule of law at home and in matters involving foreign parties and the foundational necessities and underlying principles for their coordinated advancement.This concept is intellectually rooted in the legal theory of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics,the theory of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics,modern progressive theories of international law,and the exemplary facets of traditional Chinese culture.It is aligned with contemporary trends and in harmony with the need to take a holistic approach to imperatives at home and abroad.This philosophy underscores the approach to building a human community with a shared future through the rule of law,guaranteeing the fruition of national strategic aspirations.This resonates with profound contemporary,integrative,international,and strategic significance.Presently,the focus should be on fostering the development of foreign-related rule of law,maintaining the correct equilibrium between the dyad of rule of law in domestic and foreign-related matters.It is imperative to augment strategic design and institutional construction in the realm of rule of law on issues related to foreign parties,step up research on and practical application of international law,and reinforce the cultivation of legal professionals in this area to take a coordinated approach to advance the rule of law at home and in matters involving foreign parties.

Unequivocal ICT in Enhancing the Essence of Democracy and Good Governance

It is true and sooth as far as Abraham Linkan’s definition of democracy being implausible in a vast global democratic system. The definition of democracy of Abraham linkan is certainly palatable and practically realizable in those ancient times for states, then existed were smaller and nanoscopic and people could directly participate and realize the collective decisions (Abraham Linkan defamation―of the people, by the people, and for the people). In modern democracies, the Abraham Linkan’s defamation was fast losing its relevance and people were groping in the dark. The citizens were challenging in the system on its essentials/prerequisites the state in modern times not only shirking its responsibility but also getting insulated. It was/is at this juncture the dawn of ICT on the horizon made people redeem nuances of participatory democracy development rhythm of true democratic ideals ICT’s initiation in good governance heralded a new phase of participatory democracy development attended to the glorious of direct democracy. The emergency of the ICT filled the vacuum existed between govt. and citizens. It also narrowed down the gap between citizens and govt by holding out their responsibility in terms of development governance in veritably transparent manner. ICT, in other words, the net-work of information, are accessible to all decision-makers and also felicitated in decision-makers to have a direct access to the existing situation and there by strengthening the decision-making process. ICT by its inner strength restored the democratic strength to the citizenry. Thus, the main properties of ICT, such as transfrancy, participation, rule of low, efficiency and effectiveness, etc. propped up the governing entity get entrenched in good governance. Also, it opened new visas for creative discourse based on ICT’s utility in the field of planning and designing of strategies of development at all levels of governing pyramid. The ICT’s fold opportunities for both ruling and being ruled such that a citizenry could collectively constituency observe the action of ruling class as it is entailed to and in turn the government, in principal, has responsibility to focus on and positively respond to. Hence, ICT as a potential agency bridges the gap in all aspect of system yielding place for communion development. The role, ICT in a wider-democratic system and good governance, was also discussed. Conclusion is also drawn keeping in riew its futuristic perspectives and prospects.

Law, the Nigerian Economy and Corruption

Corruption has had severe negative consequences on the economic growth and development of nations all over the world especially on developing countries. It has various implications for both the developed and developing economies. Corruption hampers development and thus raises the level of poverty in any economy that finds itself entrenched in corrupt practices. Corruption creates uncertainty and risk in the growth and development potential of any country. This paper presents a review of corruption as it relates to the economic development of Nigeria. By using a theoretical method of analysis, the study reveals that corruption is Nigeria＇s biggest challenge. It is clear to every citizen that the level of corruption in the country is high because it is found in every sector of the society. In public or private sector, corrupt practices are easily observable. Corruption has been a deterrent to economic development in Nigeria. The findings show that corruption has a significant negative effect on economic growth and development. The paper examines historical connection between the law and the economy and discusses the theoretical and conceptual issues in corruption and economic development and the role of lawyers in the economy. The paper also seeks to provoke debate on the role of law in the anti-corruption crusade, strengthening the rule of law and promoting economic development. It also identifies and discusses the impact and effects of corruption on economic development in Nigeria, while proffering policy recommendations that should underpin the road to Nigeria becoming the ＂next surprise＂, on indices such as transparency, accountability, and the application of the rule of law, in dealing with corruption leading to improved consumer price index （CPI） ranking, induce investment, and foster economic growth and development.

Characteristics,Indicators,and Methods of Chinese Modernization of the Rule of Law

Chinese modernization of the rule of law is an important dimension of Chinese modernization;it has some commonalities with the rule of law modernization of all countries but it is more characterized by features that are unique to the Chinese context.The prominent feature that constitutes the Chinese characteristics,Chinese style,and Chinese model,is the adherence to the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics.It is this feature that determines the difference with Western rule of law modernization.Representingg a new form of human rule of law civilization,the Chinesestyle primarily features the building of a socialist law-based country,government,andSsociety,including centralized,unified,authoritative,andefficient Chinese-style national supervision,as well as the dual existence of constitutional review by the Communist Party of China(CPC)and by the state.Chinese modernization cannot be made possible without the rule of law being modernized and serving as a safeguard.Comprehensive promotion of the rule of law is an overriding approach,and two methods have to be followed specifically:firstly,construction of a modern socialist country in all aspects under the rule of law,and secondly,performance of all work of the state under the rule of law.

The Approach to Chinese Modernization of the Rule of Law

The essence of Chinese modernization of the rule of law is to promote a modern legal system in China.The approach to Chinese modernization of the rule of law refers to the Chinese approach to promoting a modern legal system.By comprehensively reviewing the history and reality,theory and practice,and actual and desirable aspects of Chinese modernization of the rule of law,we can summarize the Chinese approach to promoting a modern legal system.This approach containssvariouselements,including a leadership system for the rule of law with centralized and unified leadership by the Central Committee of Communist Party of China,a rule of law virtue principle of putting the people first,a functional orientation of the rule of law toward national governance,and a historical-legal consciousness that inherits fine traditional Chinese legal culture.These key elements play a prominent role and can effectively showcase the Chinese approach to promoting a modern legal system.Describing such a Chinese approach not only helps to summarize the fundamental experience of Chinese modernization of the rule of law but also showcases the Chinese logic and Chinese characteristics in this modernization process.

论高校内部治理的症结及疏解策略

高校内部治理是高校治理的重要环节,关系着高等教育的质量和水平。科层制模式下,高校内部治理存在着政府外部行政权传导的高校内部行政权与高校办学自主权之间的矛盾、高校内部学术权力与行政权力之间的矛盾、学生组织与学校党政职能部门之间的矛盾,并表现为人事治理症结、财务治理症结、合同治理症结。究其原因,法治保障的缺乏、行政权力的过分倚重、机构权责不清、监督机制缺乏是高校内部治理矛盾和症结的成因。因此,必须从积极推进依法治校、优化高校内部权力配置、摒弃落后的管理理念与习惯、实现多元主体的治理动能等层面予以疏解。