China’s human rights record draws sharp rebuke at U.N.

Agence France-Presse

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) met stinging criticism in early July 2024 from United Nations member countries and organizations over its human rights record. All 193 U.N. member states must undergo a review every four to five years, followed by a report on the recommendations the country is willing to accept.

During the PRC review in January, critical countries highlighted Beijing’s crackdown on civil liberties and a sweeping national security law imposed on Hong Kong in 2020 to quash dissent after pro-democracy protests.

They also voiced alarm at efforts to erase cultural and religious identity in Tibet and repression in the northwestern Xinjiang region, where Beijing is accused of incarcerating more than 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

Countries presented 428 recommendations to the PRC, including harsh rebukes but also suggestions such as “continue to protect the cultural rights of ethnic minorities” from Iran.

During the adoption process in early July, a Chinese delegation informed the gathering that it had adopted 70% of those recommendations, but it flatly rejected most proposals from Western countries.

Observers said China pressured its supporters to fill up allotted speaking time with praise.

Fifteen countries were allowed to speak including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

The PRC “has refused to take action amid consistent calls from the international community to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and has rejected numerous constructive recommendations,” U.S. ambassador Michele Taylor said.

She highlighted “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang.”

It was the first review of the PRC since former U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet published a 2022 report — also rejected by Beijing — detailing abuses in Xinjiang.

British ambassador Simon Manley said that “China has today rejected each and every one of the UK’s recommendations.”

“In doing so, the Chinese government has failed to acknowledge its serious human rights violations, and again tried to claim that (the U.N.’s) authoritative Xinjiang assessment is, and I quote, ‘illegal and void.’ It is neither.”

“China dismissed 30% of recommendations received,” said Raphael Viana David of the International Service for Human Rights.

“Beijing’s facade as a constructive actor at the U.N. is shattered.”