Minority Groups Urge UN to Press China Over New Ethnic Unity Law

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Geneva: Tibetan and Uighur representatives have urged the international community to pressure China to repeal a new ethnic unity law, warning that it could further weaken the cultural, religious and linguistic identities of minority communities.

The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, due to take effect on July 1, aims to promote a shared national identity and strengthen unity among China's ethnic groups. However, rights advocates argue that the legislation provides legal backing for long-standing policies they say encourage the assimilation of ethnic minorities into the country's Han-majority society.

Speaking at a side event during the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Tibetan and Uighur representatives said the law would further restrict the use of minority languages, cultural traditions and religious practices. They also expressed concern that it could expand existing policies, including residential boarding schools where minority children are taught primarily in Mandarin and exposed to Han Chinese culture.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for the law to be repealed, warning that it could lead to greater restrictions on freedoms related to language, education, religion, culture, expression and assembly.

Activists also raised concerns over provisions they say could encourage surveillance within families and extend the law's reach beyond China's borders. They warned that a clause allowing action against individuals and organisations overseas could increase pressure on dissidents and human rights activists living abroad.

China rejected the criticism during the UN discussions, accusing some countries and organisations of using human rights issues to politicise and discredit Beijing. Chinese officials have defended the legislation, saying it is intended to promote national unity and that its provisions are consistent with international practice.

Pic Credit: AFP