On July 5, 2024, the International Service for Human Rights delivered a joint statement at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council under Item 6: Interactive Dialogue on the adoption of China’s 4th Universal Periodic Review.
The statement began with an expression of solidarity with victims of human rights violations by the Chinese government. It highlighted numerous UPR recommendations that reflect long-standing concerns raised by dozens of UN experts and committees since China’s last review. These include calls to stop lengthy, arbitrary detention on national security grounds of human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists; end Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location (RSDL) and other forms of enforced disappearances; cease cultural and religious persecution of Uyghurs and Tibetans; repeal Hong Kong’s National Security Law; and respect the rights of women and the LGBTI community.
The statement expressed regret that China dismissed 30% of recommendations received, particularly those related to Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, feminist and LGBTI activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists. This dismissal marks an increase from the 18% noted five years ago. The claim that some recommendations are ‘already implemented’ was described as deceitful in light of damning UN findings.
The statement also noted that many countries from the Global South called for implementing UN Treaty Body recommendations. In response, Beijing stated it opposed recommendations based on what it termed 'false information'. Furthermore, Beijing rejected calls for unrestricted access to the country for UN experts despite having 15 pending visit requests.
Beijing's image as a constructive actor at the UN is questioned due to its reprisals against human rights defenders throughout this UPR cycle and attempts to block NGO access to council sessions. The statement reminded members that Cao Shunli died trying to participate in this same review process ten years ago.
Addressing Council members directly, the statement questioned how China's record could be reconciled with any attempt to become a reliable multilateral actor. It urged China to engage genuinely with the UN human rights system to enact meaningful reforms ensuring all individuals enjoy internationally protected human rights. Recommendations from various UN bodies were cited as pathways for necessary change.
In closing, if genuine efforts are not made by China, it was deemed imperative for the Council to establish a monitoring and reporting mechanism as repeatedly called for by over 40 UN experts since 2020.
Signatory organizations included both those with ECOSOC consultative status such as Anti-Slavery International and Human Rights Watch among others; and those without ECOSOC consultative status like Campaign for Uyghurs and World Uyghur Congress.
