HRC51 Side Event - Voices for Chinese government accountability: the world cannot turn a blind eye

The UN Human Rights Council, and governments with a seat at it, strive to uphold our shared commitments to freedom, respect, equality and dignity as reflected in our laws, institutions and practices.

Yet today, we are confronted with extensive documentation of serious rights abuses against Uyghurs in the UN's Xinjiang report. But as the report itself notes - and supported by dozens of letters, reports, and findings from the UN human rights committees and experts - those violations stem from a legal and policy system that also enables grave rights violations against Hong Kongers, Tibetans, and human rights defenders and lawyers across mainland China. Governments that are genuinely committed to promoting and protecting human rights must provide a robust response to the human rights crisis in the country, and prevent the continuation of widespread abuses. 

At the 51st session of the Human Rights Council, States must initiate and support efforts to establish an independent mechanism to monitor and report on the human rights situation in China, and hold a formal discussion within the Council that addresses rights abuses against Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, and human rights defenders across mainland China.

This event provides activists from these communities with a joint platform to make their voices heard.