EU Statement at the 34th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 4 \u2013 Human Rights situation that require the Council\u2019s attention
14 March 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In China, while acknowledging the progress made on a number of areas of human development, including the elimination of poverty, the EU continues to be concerned about the arrest, detention and conviction of human rights defenders and lawyers and the reported harassment of their families. The EU reiterates its call for the immediate release of all individuals detained for their human rights activities, not least Liu Xiaobo, Illham Tohti, Xie Yang, Jiang Tianyong, Li Heping and Wang Quanzhang and Tashi Wangchuk. The EU calls upon China to ensure transparency and respect for due process in the cases of detained human rights lawyers. The EU is particularly worried about the recent allegations of mistreatment and torture under detention, which should be thoroughly investigated by the authorities. The EU urges China to implement its law on the Management of Foreign NGO Activities in ways that do not hamper the development of independent civil society. The EU also calls upon China to respect cultural diversity and freedom of religion, not least in Tibet and Xinjiang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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