Western countries call for China to improve human rights record

The UN Human Rights Council held a “Universal Periodic Review” session Tuesday where world leaders pressured China to allow more freedom of expression and end its repression of dissidents and minorities. Canada’s UN Ambassador Leslie Norton criticized the “enforced disappearances” of minorities, including Falun Gong practitioners in China. Representatives from more than 160 countries participated in the session. The United States and rights groups have also criticized China’s oppression of the Uyghurs.

What is a Universal Periodic Review? The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights describes the Universal Periodic Review system as one in which member states undergo a review of their human rights track record every four-and-a-half years by other member countries. The UN says all its member nations have undergone the process at least three times each.

What did China have to say for itself? Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Chen Xu says his country protects human rights, upholds freedom of religion, and allows citizens to participate in democratic elections. His country denies the existence of any human rights abuses.

Dig deeper: Listen to my report on the Doubletake podcast about how some activists are criticizing China’s use of organ harvesting to oppress minorities and dissidents.