On 13 June, the European Union and the People’s Republic of China convened the 40th session of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels, following a field visit to South Tyrol, Italy, on 11 June. This session provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on a variety of pressing human rights issues.
The European Union expressed significant concerns regarding the ongoing deterioration of fundamental freedoms in China. Key issues discussed included restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, peaceful assembly, and non-discrimination. Additionally, the dialogue addressed concerns related to the rule of law, violations of due process rights, and labour rights, particularly the incidence of forced labour.
The EU urged China to discontinue practices such as arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances and reaffirmed its strong opposition to the death penalty, advocating for a moratorium and greater transparency regarding its application. The importance of non-governmental interference in the selection of religious leaders was also emphasised, alongside a request for information regarding the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama.
Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the issue of transnational repression employed by China to exert pressure on its nationals abroad. The EU raised individual cases, calling for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their human rights peacefully.
The European Union (EU) has formally requested enhancements to the treatment and conditions of several individuals, ensuring they have the opportunity to maintain contact with their families.
The individuals of concern include:
– Gui Minhai, an EU citizen
– Uyghurs such as Ilham Tohti, a Sakharov Prize laureate; Gulshan Abbas, a medical doctor; Rahile Davut, an ethnographer; and activists Hushtar Isa and Yalkun Isa
– Tibetan activists, writers, and religious leaders, including Go Sherab Gyatso, Tashi Dorje, Anya Sengra, Tsongon Tsering, Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrub, and Lobsang Gephel
– Human Rights Defenders and attorneys deprived of their liberty for advocating human rights, including Ding Jiaxi, Xu Zhiyong, and Yu Wensheng, whose wife, Xu Yan, remains under surveillance and is subject to a travel ban following her release
– They also highlighted the case of Gao Zhisheng.
The EU expressed serious concerns regarding individuals detained or deprived of their liberty for exercising their freedom of expression, notably citizen journalists Huang Xueqin and Zhang Zhan.
Concerning Hong Kong, the EU condemned the use of national security legislation that undermines human rights and fundamental freedoms, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of British citizen and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, as well as barrister and human rights defender Chow Hang-tung.
Additionally, the EU brought attention to credible reports of intimidation faced by Chinese participants in civil society events, including those related to LGBTI issues, as well as police surveillance and threats of professional retaliation that seek to deter lawful participation in such events.
The EU acknowledged China’s recent submission of its sixth periodic report under Article 19 of the Convention Against Torture and urged China to fulfil its reporting obligations to all relevant UN treaty bodies, facilitate comprehensive access for International Labour Organisation (ILO) inspections, and enable visits from all UN Special Procedures.
During the dialogue, the EU recognised China’s development successes while encouraging the country to adopt a human rights-based approach in its development and poverty alleviation initiatives.
In a multilateral context, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and engaged in discussions regarding activities in international fora. The EU emphasised that civil and political rights must be upheld on an equal footing with economic, social, and cultural rights, asserting that development should not be treated as a precondition for the realisation of human rights.
A field visit to South Tyrol provided an avenue for constructive exchanges regarding the protection of the rights of individuals belonging to minorities and the preservation of cultural identity, including through the implementation of multilingual education.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, and Shen Bo, Director-General for International Organisations and Conferences at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with EU Member States participating as observers.
Sirpa Rautio, Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, provided a briefing on the human rights situation within the European Union. The EU and China agreed to maintain ongoing communication, with plans for the next round of the Human Rights Dialogue to take place in China in 2026.
