15-Nation Coalition Condemns China's Human Rights Record at UN Assembly

A coalition of 15 nations, including the US and UK, condemned China's human rights violations at the UN General Assembly. The joint statement highlighted abuses against minorities, suppression in Hong Kong, and digital censorship. They urged China to release detainees and comply with international human rights commitments.

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly's Third Committee, a coalition of 15 countries publicly denounced China's ongoing human rights abuses, according to a report by Phayul. The group, which includes Albania, Australia, Czechia, Estonia, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Palau, Paraguay, San Marino, Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom, expressed 'deep concern' over the human rights record attributed to the Chinese Communist Party.

The statement detailed accusations against the Chinese government for a systemic campaign of oppression involving arbitrary detentions, forced labor, unlawful mass surveillance, and significant restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms. The countries cited 'credible reports' documenting abuses against Uyghurs, other Muslim minorities, Tibetans, Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners, highlighting a sustained pattern of violations against marginalized communities.

The coalition further criticized China's actions in Hong Kong, noting the erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law under Beijing's growing control. The issuance of arrest warrants and monetary bounties on activists abroad, simply for exercising freedom of expression, was labeled a grave threat to democratic values worldwide. Phayul reported that the coalition urged immediate and unconditional release of those detained for their human rights activities and called for global efforts to hold China accountable through thorough investigation and adherence to international treaties.

(With inputs from agencies.)