UN Expert urges States to lift sanctions against China and address over-compliance

Douhan highlighted the adverse impact of unilateral sanctions on China's economy, global outreach, and the livelihoods of its people.

The UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures and human rights, Alena Douhan, has called for the lifting of sanctions against China and emphasized the need for strong action to curb over-compliance by businesses and other actors under the jurisdiction of states. This statement follows her 12-day official visit to China.

Impact of Unilateral Sanctions

Douhan highlighted the adverse impact of unilateral sanctions on China's economy, global outreach, and the livelihoods of its people. She noted a decline in business activities and the loss of global markets, leading to job losses and disruptions in social protection schemes, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as women, older persons, and those in informal employment.

Sanctions Against China

Since 2017, unilateral sanctions have been imposed against China, with increasing pressure on Chinese technological companies and the imposition of export controls by the United States. Additional sanctions and restrictions related to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Hong Kong SAR have targeted key sectors of economic activity, including agriculture, construction, trade, technology, energy, finance, and telecommunications.

Impact on Xinjiang and International Supply Chains

Douhan highlighted the significant impact of sanctions on Xinjiang, disrupting key economic sectors and international supply chains. Job cuts, interruption of production activities in third countries, and suspension of international humanitarian projects have contributed to negative spill-over effects internationally.

Impact on Education and Academic Cooperation

The sanctions have also affected education and academic cooperation, with prominent Chinese universities and research centers being listed. Exchange programs, scholarships, and joint research projects between Chinese and foreign institutions, particularly from the US and Europe, have been interrupted. Chinese students and scholars face stigmatization and visa restrictions, hindering their academic and professional pursuits.

Challenges to Access to Justice

The listing and de-listing procedures based on the presumption of wrongfulness without adequate evidence undermine access to justice and due process. Designated individuals and entities lack transparency and face obstacles in pursuing administrative and judicial proceedings.

Call for Action

Douhan reiterated the illegality of extraterritorial application of unilateral sanctions and called on states, especially sanctioning states, to address over-compliance by businesses and entities under their jurisdiction. She emphasized the need to mitigate or eliminate any adverse humanitarian impact caused by sanctions.

Visit and Engagement

During her visit, Douhan engaged with various stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, humanitarian actors, businesses, academia, and the diplomatic community. Her meetings spanned across different cities, including Beijing, Urumqi, Shihezi, Changji, Hotan, and Shenzhen.

Conclusion

The statement by Alena Douhan underscores the urgent need to lift sanctions against China and mitigate their negative impact on the economy, livelihoods, and human rights of its people. It calls for a concerted effort by states to address over-compliance and uphold principles of justice and due process in sanctioning regimes.