China’s human rights record is scrutinized at U.N. meeting
NBCJan 12
China's Human Rights Record Reviewed at UN
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Image copyright: Kena Betancur/Getty Images News via Getty Images (Sept. 21, 2023)
The Facts
China faced a rare public critique over its human rights record by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday as part of the organization's Universal Periodic Review, which all UN member states must undergo every five years.
Though designed to encourage constructive recommendations, the review process that has seen more than 160 nations registering to take part in the discussions — meaning that each country had up to 45 seconds to speak — was marked by firm stances both pro and against Beijing.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
China's progress in protecting human rights cannot be questioned. Such progress is remarkable and a testament to the PRC's continued devotion to respecting its diversity of culture, heritage, and ethnicity. As seen by the many commendations from the vast majority of countries present for UNHCR's review, despite the West's best efforts, the world continues to recognize the continued growth of China as an internationally renowned beacon for equality and respect.
Anti-China narrative
China continues to be disingenuous to the international community as it maintains a denial of the incessant human rights abuses across the country. While human rights defenders in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and throughout China are silenced, tortured, and oppressed, Beijing continues to publicly reject acknowledgment of its crimes against humanity — a reality that only worsens year after year.
