Minority groups urge UN to press China over new ethnic unity law

Tibetan and Uyghur representatives have called on the international community to pressure China to repeal a new ethnic unity law.

Tibetan and Uyghur representatives have called on the international community to pressure China to repeal a new ethnic unity law that they say threatens the cultural, linguistic and religious identities of minority communities. Speaking at a side event during the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva, activists argued that the legislation would provide legal backing for policies they describe as forced assimilation.

The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law is scheduled to take effect on July 1. Chinese authorities say the law is intended to strengthen national cohesion and promote a shared identity among the country’s ethnic groups. Critics, however, argue that it could be used to further restrict the use of minority languages, religious practices and cultural traditions.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has previously expressed concern about the legislation, warning that it could deepen restrictions on freedom of expression, education, religion and cultural life. He has called for the law to be repealed, saying it risks undermining the rights of ethnic minorities.

During the Geneva discussions, Tibetan representatives said the law would effectively erase Tibetan identity by encouraging the dominance of Mandarin Chinese and Han Chinese culture. They also pointed to boarding school policies that they say separate Tibetan children from their language and traditions. Chinese authorities have defended such policies as part of efforts to improve education and national integration.

Uyghur activists raised similar concerns, arguing that the law could accelerate efforts to reshape the cultural and religious identity of the Muslim minority in Xinjiang. They said the legislation would make it easier for authorities to pressure communities to adopt a more uniform national identity.

One issue highlighted by activists was a provision that appears to allow legal action against individuals or organisations outside China if they are deemed to violate the law. Rights advocates warned that this could increase pressure on overseas critics, researchers and activists who speak out about minority rights in China.

Chinese officials have rejected the accusations and say the law is designed to promote unity, social stability and equal development among all ethnic groups. A Chinese representative attending the Geneva event criticised what he described as attempts to use human rights issues to attack China politically.

The debate over the law comes amid continued international scrutiny of China’s policies in Tibet and Xinjiang. Beijing insists that its measures are aimed at combating extremism, improving education and promoting economic development, while critics argue they amount to systematic efforts to weaken distinct ethnic and cultural identities.

As the law prepares to come into force, minority representatives are urging governments and international organisations to keep the issue on the UN agenda and press for stronger protections for cultural and religious rights in China.