China faces global scrutiny over human rights in Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang as the UN-backed review unfolds
Geneva: In a pivotal moment, China comes under international examination as it undergoes the latest UN-backed review of its human rights record, focusing on its domestic policies in Hong Kong, Tibet, and the Xinjiang region. With over 160 countries participating, the discussion will unfold in a format where each country has a brief 45 seconds to express its views.
Led by China’s top ambassador in Geneva, Chen Xu, the Chinese delegation has up to 70 minutes to present its case. The universal periodic review, conducted approximately every five years, involves all UN member states and aims to offer constructive criticism leading to recommendations, not just critiques.
Pascal Sim, the spokesperson for the UN-backed Human Rights Council, emphasized that only recommendations explicitly formulated as such would be considered in the review report. This process provides countries with an opportunity to extend congratulations, voice criticisms, and propose recommendations.
Outside the review proceedings, several human rights groups plan events, with the Tibet Advocacy Coalition, the World Uyghur Congress, and Hong Kong human rights defenders hosting a joint news conference. Another advocacy group is set to address the forced repatriation of North Korean women from China. Pro-Tibet activists plan a demonstration outside the UN Geneva compound during the discussion.
On the eve of the hearing, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, a lawyer for Jimmy Lai, a former Hong Kong publisher on trial for national security violations, expects Lai’s case to be raised. Western governments are likely to call for Lai’s release and the repeal of Hong Kong’s national security law imposed in 2020.
This review is seen as an opportunity for the international community to hold China accountable for human rights abuses, particularly in Hong Kong. Concerns include the dismantling of civil society, criminalization of dissent, and suppression of critics by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities.
Four independent human rights experts, working under a mandate from the council, called for Lai’s release and the dismissal of all charges on Monday. In China’s last review in 2018, the United States and other countries expressed concerns about the treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
