China’s Assault on Global Human Rights Raises Concerns, Warns Human Rights Watch
In a recent report released by Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that China’s government is posing a serious threat to the global system for safeguarding human rights. Kenneth Roth, the executive director at Human Rights Watch, expressed deep concern over the Chinese government’s actions, stating that decades of progress in protecting human rights are now at risk. The report highlights the risk to essential freedoms such as the right to free speech, the prevention of arbitrary imprisonment and torture, and other fundamental human rights.
The Chinese government has been aggressively expanding its surveillance state in an attempt to establish total social control within its borders. It is also utilizing its economic and diplomatic influence to repel global efforts that aim to hold it accountable for its repressive practices. Roth argues that to maintain the international human rights system as an effective check on repression, governments worldwide must unite in countering Beijing’s assaults.
Roth further emphasizes that Beijing’s attack on human rights goes beyond its borders. While the report does acknowledge other threats to human rights in countries like Syria and Yemen, the focus remains on China’s actions. The growing number of governments that have previously shown some commitment to human rights in their foreign policies are also failing to take a stand. Leaders such as United States President Donald Trump have shown a reluctance to prioritize human rights issues.
The Chinese government’s repression is a cause for concern, as it affects not only its own citizens but also individuals and organizations outside of China. Civic groups have been shut down, independent journalism silenced, online conversations curtailed, and even Hong Kong’s limited freedoms under one country, two systems have been increasingly restricted. Moreover, in Xinjiang, the authorities have constructed a surveillance system designed to control millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, leading to the arbitrary detention of approximately one million people for political indoctrination.
China’s tactic to modernize its repression through the use of technology is particularly worrying. The government infringes on people’s privacy by collecting DNA samples and then employs big data analysis and artificial intelligence to strengthen its means of control. Beijing aims to create a society devoid of dissent.
To shield itself from global backlash concerning its repressive practices, the Chinese government has significantly intensified efforts to undermine international institutions that protect human rights. China leverages its economic might to intimidate other nations, threatening consequences for those who challenge its actions. Governments, companies, and even academic institutions that claim to champion human rights often prioritize access to China’s lucrative market, making it more challenging to hold Beijing accountable.
Opposing Beijing’s frontal assault on human rights requires a unified response from governments that understand the value of preserving human rights. By acting collectively, governments can effectively counter China’s divide-and-conquer strategy. For instance, if the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were to condemn the repression of Muslims in Xinjiang, similar to their stance on the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, it would apply significant pressure on Beijing.
Governments and international financial institutions should provide alternatives to China’s loans and development aid, emphasizing the importance of human rights. Companies and universities should establish and promote codes of conduct that adhere to strong common standards when dealing with China, making it harder for Beijing to retaliate against those that stand up for basic rights and freedoms. Leaders committed to human rights must also initiate discussions on Xinjiang at the UN Security Council to ensure that Chinese officials understand the repercussions of their actions.
Kenneth Roth concludes by highlighting the critical need to resist Beijing’s assault on human rights. The progress made in protecting rights and the future of human rights itself are at stake. It is imperative that governments worldwide respond effectively to safeguard the rights and dignity of people everywhere.
