On Saturday virtual press conferenceMs. Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, outlined new opportunities for dialogue between her office and the Chinese authorities discussed during the visit, including an annual high-level strategy meeting and A working group will meet in Beijing and Geneva, as well as online.
The working group will discuss specific thematic areas, including development, poverty alleviation and human rights, minority rights, business and human rights, counter-terrorism and human rights, Ms. Bachelet explained. digital space and human rights, judicial and legal protection, and human rights.
The High Commissioner pointed out that, since her Office has no presence in China, the working group would allow for structured engagement on these and other issues, while providing space for the group to to bring specific issues of interest to the attention of the Chinese Government.
Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong on the agenda
During her business trip, Ms. Bachelet spoke to many government officials, a number of civil society organisations, academics and community and religious leaders. In addition, she met with several online organizations before the visit, on issues related to Xinjiang province, Tibet, Hong Kong and other parts of China.
In Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, Ms. Bachelet raised questions and concerns about the application of counter-terrorism and counter-radicalization measures and their application. It also encourages the Government to conduct a review of all anti-terrorism and de-ethicalization policies, to ensure they are fully compliant with international human rights standards, and not to arbitrary and discriminatory manner.
Regarding the Tibet Autonomous Region, Ms. Bachelet reiterated the importance of safeguarding the linguistic, religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people, and allowing Tibetans to participate fully and freely in decisions. their religious life and let dialogue take place.
Regarding Hong Kong, Ms. Bachelet called on the Government to nurture – and not stifle – the enormous potential for civil society and academia in Hong Kong to contribute to the promotion and defense of human rights. She described the arrests of lawyers, activists, journalists and others under the National Security Law as “deeply disturbing”, and noted that Hong Kong would be subject to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. review in July.
“To those who sent me an appeal, asking me to raise issues or cases with the authorities – I heard you,” she said. “I will continue to monitor such issues and cases of concern for the long term.”
UN photo
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet speaks at the Guangzhou Institute for Human Rights
‘China has a very important role’
The rights chief praised China’s “major achievements” in poverty alleviation and the eradication of extreme poverty, 10 years ahead of the target deadline.
The country has come a long way towards ensuring protection of health and broader economic and social rights, she added, thanks to the introduction of universal health care and the insurance program. unemployment insurance for almost the entire population.
Ms. Bachelet welcomed a number of other developments in the country, including legislation improving the protection of women’s rights, and the activities carried out by NGOs to promote the rights of LGBTI people and people with disabilities. disabled and the elderly.
The UN rights chief stressed the important role China must play, at the regional and multilateral levels, and noted that everyone she met during her visit, from Government officials, civil society, academics, diplomats and others, all showed sincere goodwill. progress in the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
