On the occasion of International Human Rights Day on Tuesday 10 December, the EU delegation to China acknowledged, in a press release issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS), China’s progress in the areas of health and education, but highlighted serious concerns regarding civil, cultural, economic, social and political rights, particularly among ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.
The EU stressed that human rights violations persist in Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Hong Kong, mentioning, among other things, mass detentions, forced labour, widespread surveillance measures and restrictions on freedom of religion or belief.
The EU also expressed regret that China continues to apply the death penalty for non-violent offences and called for an end to this practice, “which has no place in the 21st century”.
It then reaffirmed its support for human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and all those who face repression for defending fundamental rights. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)