On July 17, 2023, Human Rights in China (HRIC) made two submissions to the UN Universal Periodic Review (Fourth Cycle) of China. The 45^th session of the Universal Periodic Review of China, including Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, is scheduled to take place from April to May in 2024. 

HRIC has regularly contributed to the cycles of the Universal Periodic Review, an important mechanism that reviews countries’ human rights situations on a periodic basis, and has provided information relevant to the overall rights regression in China since the first circle in 2009.

The first submission focuses on online rights and internet freedoms in Hong Kong, which has significantly deteriorated in the post-COVID era, especially after the promulgation of the National Security Law. We highlight how individuals and groups have been adversely affected in terms of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as well as how women have been disproportionately affected evidenced by the online gender-based violence they experience. Read the full submission report here.

HRIC has also collaborated with China Rainbow Observation, The Chinese Lala Association, and Chinese Trans Voices to jointly submit a report on discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression in China. We sincerely appreciate their courage in addressing these important issues. The submission urges China to take several actions: amend laws to prohibit LGBTQ discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare; simplify the registration process for LGBTQ organizations; prioritize sexual health education, particularly focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention; and promote fair representation of LGBTQ individuals in the media to foster greater public acceptance. Read the full submission report here.

The upcoming Universal Periodic Review is an important opportunity to highlight once again how the National Security Law has negatively impacted upon human rights in Hong Kong, with even greater impact on marginalized groups like human rights defenders and groups, especially women. The Universal Periodic Review also highlights how the LGBTQ discrimination remains prevalent in China across education, employment, and healthcare. In light of these pressing human rights issues in Hong Kong and China, we urge the relevant authorities to address the numerous human rights violations, as well as for UN member states to raise these issues and make concrete recommendations during the review. 

For more information about the reports, please reach out to communications@hrichina.org.