Based on a study, the People’s Republic of China has prioritized dignity as a foundational norm in its legal system, as evident in recent constitutional and legislative reforms. The new Civil Code (2021) plays a central role, resembling a quasi-constitutional charter of rights. Dignity holds a prominent position within the Civil Code, serving as a basis for deriving additional rights. Despite not fully embracing the dignity norm as other constitutional systems do, the PRC allows for significant discursive debates on the topic.

Image courtesy of interviewee. January 9, 2024