Human Rights Issues China – The Startling Policies and Actions

The 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices China reflects the tension between China’s pursuit of economic growth and strict political control. It cites many cases of human rights violations of international concern. So, what exactly are the human rights issues China must address?

Among the worst countries for human rights, China, a global power, has been scutinised for its damning human rights record. The Chinese government’s approach to human rights issues has involved employing policies that reportedly include:

• harassment and intimidation of human rights lawyers and activists,
• unfair trials of the lawyers and activists,
• arbitrary detention, and
• torture.

Meanwhile, China has attacked minority groups such as Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims. Attacks that constitute crimes against humanity. The international community, governments, civil societies, and United Nations officials, have all voiced their concerns.

Human Rights Issues China – The Historical Background

The human rights issues in China have been a topic of concern for many years. China’s historical human rights background can be traced back to the era of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political ideology. It has always had tight control over the government machinery, which control extends to Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

The historical background of human rights issues in China is deeply rooted in the country’s political and social landscape. With regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong facing repression and a lack of democratic progress, it is crucial to consider this context when addressing the China human rights issues.

1950s Invasion of Tibet

China invaded Tibet in the 1950s, and established a military presence in the country. Despite international outcry, the situation in Tibet remained dire. Tibetans have faced restrictions on:

• religious freedom,
• political expression, and
• cultural preservation.

Moreover, there have been numerous reports on human rights abuses that include:

• forced labour,
• demolitions of religious structures, and
• ill-treatment of political prisoners.

Repression of Xinjiang

On the other hand, Xinjiang has faced a more recent wave of repression. Home to the predominantly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority, Xinjiang is a highly contested and sensitive area. Over the years there have been reports of mass internment camps, forced labour, and human rights abuses. The Chinese government has been accused of perpetuating a campaign of surveillance, repression, and intimidation against the Uighurs to suppress dissent and maintain control of the region.

Hong Kong (1997)

Hong Kong’s situation is also a product of China’s historical and political landscape. Once a British colony, Great Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997 under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The arrangement promised Hong Kong would maintain its autonomy. But since, Beijing’s interference has escalated, culminating in the imposition of the National Security Law. This action has raised international concerns over the erosion of human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Tiananmen Square (1989)

It is worth noting that China’s relationship with democracy and human rights was influenced by the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989. Following a series of pro-democracy protests, the Chinese government brutally suppressed the movement, resulting in an unclear number of casualties. This event solidified the CCP’s stance on suppressing dissent and has had a lasting effect on China’s approach to human rights.

China Human Rights Issues in Focus

Here we shine a light on the main human rights issues in China.

Religious Persecution

China has been known for suppressing religious groups, particularly minorities like Uyghurs and Tibetan Buddhists. It imposes strict regulations and surveillance measures on religious institutions. This leads to discrimination and harassment of religious practitioners.

Mass Detention in Xinjiang

The Chinese government’s actions in Xinjiang have attracted global attention. The mass detention of over one million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in so-called ‘re-education camps’ has drawn widespread condemnation. The detainment often includes reports of torture, forced labour, and denial of basic human rights.

Repression in Tibet

Tibet has faced widespread repression under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The government’s attempts to undermine the unique cultural, religious, and linguistic identity of Tibetans continues to cause concern. The Chinese government has increased surveillance, enforced arbitrary detentions, and imposed heavy restrictions on religious practices in the country.

Undermining Democracy in Hong Kong

China’s erosion of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong is another significant human rights issue. After the Chinese government’s implementation of the National Security Law in 2020, the city has witnessed increased political repression, restricted freedom of speech, and harsh penalties for opposing government. Pro-democracy activists risk imprisonment under the law.

Internet Censorship and Surveillance

Internet censorship and surveillance are pervasive in China. The CCP keeps a strict watch on online content, removing information it deems sensitive or critical of the government. This censorship includes videos that protest lockdowns and other measures implemented by the authorities.

Arbitrary Detention and Torture

The Chinese government has been linked to many instances of arbitrary detention and torture, affecting not just Uyghurs, Xinjiang residents, and Tibetans but all citizens across the nation. The imposition of harsh, life-threatening detention conditions, violate prisoners’ rights to privacy, well-being, and due process.

China Human Rights Defenders

Challenges in Advocacy

Human rights defenders in China face numerous challenges in their work, including intensified government crackdowns and restrictions on their freedom of expression. The Chinese government’s broad definition of national security has led to:

• imprisonment,
• torture, and
• surveillance of
  • activists,
  • lawyers,
  • journalists, and
  • other individuals who advocate for human rights or expose wrongdoing.

The environment for advocacy has become increasingly restrictive. Authorities detain and charge human rights defenders at alarming rates. The disappearance of individuals and forced confessions are common tactics employed by the government to suppress dissent and maintain control over information.

Campaign Against Activists

Chinese authorities initiated a campaign against activists, where they systematically targeted, arrested, and detained activists who advocated for human rights. More than one million Uyghurs and other ethnic Turkic Muslims have been subjected to mass detention in Xinjiang. Lawyers who take on politically sensitive cases or represent human rights defenders have also been harshly treated.

Furthermore, the ‘709 crackdown’ in 2015 on human rights defenders and lawyers denotes the growing severity of the Chinese government’s measures. Five years later, anyone involved in human rights advocacy continued to face charges and detention under the guise of national security concerns.

Media Censorship

The Chinese government maintains strict control over the flow of information, which has made it difficult for human rights defenders to raise awareness about abuses and violations. Controls of online content and digital communication has limited the ability of activists to speak out, organise, and mobilise support for their cause.

Both domestic and foreign journalists have faced immense hurdles in reporting human rights offences in China. This has exacerbated the difficulties faced by activists and human rights defenders. As part of the authorities’ multifaceted approach, media censorship hinders information dissemination and prevents the international community from gaining an accurate understanding of the human rights situation within a country.

Takeaway

Simply put – Human Rights Defenders in China are at risk as they navigate the challenging political landscape to advocate for change and promote justice.

Governmental Policies and Actions

Political Indoctrination

The Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, has implemented policies aimed at political indoctrination. One significant method involves the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It has strengthened its control over educational institutions, emphasising ideological conformity among students and faculty members. Through state-run media and propaganda, the government disseminates its message. While it has created laws to further suppress dissenting voices and opinions.

Ethnic Repression

Ethnic repression is a disturbing aspect of China’s human rights situation. In particular, the treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang has generated widespread international concern. Reports abound of mass detentions, forced labour, and surveillance of those communities. The government sought to justify these actions under the guise of combating terrorism and maintaining social stability. However, critics argue these measures are excessive and discriminatory. Moreover, the lack of transparency and access to the affected regions make it difficult to accurately assess the true extent of the issue.

Laws Against Human Rights

China’s legal framework poses challenges for human rights protection. China’s constitution theoretically guarantees human rights. Subsequent laws either undermine the protections or do not effectively enforce them. For example, the National Security Law grants the government far-reaching powers to suppress activities deemed as threats. It can be interpreted broadly to include dissent and advocacy for human rights. Additionally, the government has enacted laws that restrict freedom of expression, assembly, and religion. This impedes the ability for citizens to voice their concerns and participate in shaping their nation’s policies.

In response to these concerns, international organisations and governments have called for greater security of China’s human rights record. The complex landscape of China’s governmental policies and actions presents a critical challenge for those advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights within the country.

Global Response

United Nations’ Stand

The United Nations has been increasingly vocal about its concerns towards China’s human rights practices. UN officials have emphasised the need to address these issues, particularly focusing on the treatment of ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang region. The UN has repeatedly urged China to allow independent UN investigators to access Xinjiang to corroborate these allegations and monitor the situation.

International Human Rights NGO’s Reaction

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have shared their concerns about China’s human rights violations. Both organisations publish annual reports documenting the issues in detail. These groups emphasise that repression has deepened across China, and they call for international cooperation to tackle these violations.

Michelle Bachelet’s Criticisms

Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been one of the most prominent figures criticising China’s human rights situation. Bachelet has particularly focused on the plight of the Uyghurs and the severe crackdowns in the Xinjiang region.  In addition to calls for a casual investigation into possible crimes against humanity, Bachelet has echoed the UN’s requests for unrestricted access to Xinjiang to assess the situation objectively.

Footnote

Are China’s policies a global threat to human rights?

Future Implications

Effects on Freedom of Expression

In China, the future of human rights may be directly linked to the country’s stance on freedom of expression. Hundreds have been arrested, allegedly for violating the National Security Law (NSL) and for sedition. It is evident from this that China’s actions will severely curtail the ability of its citizens to express dissenting opinions. This may also influence the effectiveness of democratic processes, as freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy.

Impacts on Public Health

Public health is an essential aspect of human rights, and China’s role in global health issues cannot be ignored. The onset of the global pandemic has highlighted existing issues such as economic inequality and racial discrimination that affect the well-being of millions of people worldwide. China’s policies and actions in addressing public health challenges will play a crucial role in shaping the global landscape in this area.

Role of Technology

With the rapid growth of technology and the internet, China’s role in shaping the future of human rights is increasingly pivotal. Technology poses a threat to human rights, especially when it comes to issues like privacy and surveillance. China’s advancements in artificial intelligence and facial recognition technologies could further impact the right to privacy. If the state continues to control internet usage and disseminates information, the people’s freedom to express thoughts and promote democracy will be severely curtailed.

China’s technological influence reaches beyond its borders, and with it comes the responsibility to navigate the intersection of technology and human rights. Ensuring that technology remains a tool for empowerment, rather than oppression, will be central to protecting global human rights in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main concerns regarding Uighurs in China?

The main concerns regarding Uighurs in China revolve around the government’s widespread human rights abuses against this predominantly Muslim ethnic group. This includes mass surveillance, forced labour, arbitrary detention in internment camps, and suppression of religious and cultural practices in Xinjiang region. According to Amnesty International, Uighur people face extreme restrictions on their freedom of movement and expression, and many are subject to torture and other forms of ill-treatment in custody.

How does freedom of speech fare in China?

Freedom of speech in China is heavily restricted, with the government exercising strict control over both traditional and online media. Laws and regulations restrict journalists and activists from expressing dissent, criticising the government, or discussing sensitive topics. The authorities are known to use charges of subversion or incitement to silence and punish those who cross these lines. Press freedom took a further hit in Hong Kong, as Human Rights Watch reported, a raid on influential media outlet Stand News in December 2021, resulting in sedition charges against its editors.

What is the status of religious freedom in China?

Religious freedom in China is severely limited, with the government controlling and restricting religious practices, especially those of religious and ethnic minorities. The Chinese government requires religious groups to register with state-controlled religious organisations and follow government regulations concerning religious activities. Reports indicate that unregistered groups are often subjected to persecution, including harassment, arbitrary detention, and the destruction of places of worship.

How does China treat political dissidents?

China has a history of harshly suppressing political dissent and activism. Political dissidents are often subjected to arbitrary arrests, lengthy or incommunicado detention, unfair trials, and torture, as documented by Amnesty International. In many cases, dissidents face charges of subversion or incitement for expressing their opinions or advocating for human rights and democracy.

What is the UN’s stance on human rights violations in China?

The United Nations and its human rights bodies have repeatedly expressed concerns about the human rights situation in China, including violations against Uighurs, restrictions on freedom of speech and religion, and the treatment of political dissidents. In recent years, these concerns have led to the UN urging the Chinese government to take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure that it is upholding its international human rights obligations.

How does China’s censorship policy impact information access?

China’s extensive censorship policy has significant consequences for information access within the country. The Chinese government maintains an extensive apparatus for internet censorship, known as the Great Firewall, which blocks a wide range of websites and platforms deemed critical or unfavorable to the state. Online content, particularly on social media, is heavily censored, and authorities frequently shut down websites, blogs, and social media accounts that publish content considered to be politically sensitive. This results in limited access to unbiased and uncensored information for citizens and a tightly controlled narrative on many issues, including human rights.

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