British News Agency

According to CCTV, Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Joao Bernardo Vieira, stated at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Global Forum on Human Rights Governance in Beijing that the right to development should be at the heart of human dignity.

Speaking at the forum held in China's capital, Vieira said that significant progress had been made worldwide in reducing poverty, expanding access to education, and advancing technology, but that inequalities persist. He noted that many countries continue to face challenges such as poverty, climate vulnerability, limited access to financing, and technological gaps.

Vieira emphasized that Guinea-Bissau has adopted an approach that addresses human rights and development together, adding that efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, improve access to justice, and promote the rule of law are ongoing.

The forum was jointly organized by the State Council Information Office of China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More than 400 participants and representatives of international organizations from approximately 100 countries attended the event.