The European Union and China held their 39th Human Rights Dialogue in Chongqing on Sunday 16 June, preceded by a visit to Tibet, to exchange views on a series of issues relating to human rights and labour rights in both regions.
According to a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU is concerned about the restrictions imposed by China on fundamental freedoms, labour rights, judicial independence and the treatment of minorities, in particular Uighurs and Tibetans.
More generally, the EU has recommended that China reassess its national security framework to ensure that it complies with international human rights law.
China focused on economic, social and cultural rights and discussed the EU’s treatment of refugees and migrants, as well as manifestations of racism and xenophobia in the EU.
Both parties recognised the importance of respecting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and agreed to continue their dialogue and to plan the next meeting for 2025. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)