Geneva: During the ongoing 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered an important address to the international community, highlighting significant concerns regarding human rights in China, with a focus on Tibet, East Turkistan, and Hong Kong.
In his speech, High Commissioner Türk reaffirmed the grave concerns raised in previous updates, emphasising the pressing need for meaningful progress on human rights issues in China. He underscored the arbitrary detention of lawyers, human rights defenders, and citizen journalists, stressing the widespread use of vague criminal charges that silence dissent and curtail freedom of expression.
Tibet was a central focus of the High Commissioner’s address. He expressed deep concern about the continued restrictions on freedom of expression, religion, and belief in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). In particular, Türk drew attention to education policies that undermine Tibetan culture and identity, noting that such measures, along with broader societal restrictions, continue to have a significant impact on the rights and freedoms of Tibetans living in the region.
Regarding Hong Kong, High Commissioner Türk spoke about the sweeping application of national security laws, which have been used to suppress civil society and restrict political freedoms. He stressed that these laws have been instrumental in silencing pro-democracy voices, thereby curbing freedom of speech and expression within the Special Administrative Region.
In addressing the situation in East Turkistan, the High Commissioner referenced a recent report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which examined counter-terrorism measures and labor programs in the region. Türk highlighted the continued systematic violations of human rights in East Turkistan, particularly against the Uyghur population and other minority groups. He emphasised the urgent need for China to address long-standing UN recommendations regarding these violations and called for greater international attention to ensure accountability and progress.
In closing his speech, High Commissioner Türk reiterated the UN’s commitment to continued engagement with China and urged the Chinese authorities to take concrete steps towards addressing these critical human rights concerns. He underscored that progress in these areas is essential for upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The Tibet Bureau Geneva welcomed the High Commissioner’s remarks and expressed its appreciation for his continued focus on the human rights situation in Tibet. The Bureau emphasised the need for continued international pressure to ensure meaningful improvements for Tibetans and other marginalised groups within China.
This update, along with the ongoing dialogue within the UNHRC, reinforces the global community’s commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and the dignity of all people.
-Report filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva
