EU Statement at the 39th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 4 \u2013 Human Rights situation that require the Council\u2019s attention
18 September 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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“While acknowledging the progress made on a number of areas of social and economic rights, the EU urges China to ratify and abide by the international covenant on civil and political rights. The EU is concerned about the expansion of political re-education camps in Xinjiang. The EU is concerned about detentions and trials of human rights defenders and lawyers Wang Quanzhang, Tashi Wangchuk, Wu Gan, Huang Qi, Yu Wensheng, Gao Zhisheng, Ilham Tohti, Qin Yongmin, Li Yuhan and EU national Gui Minhai. The EU urges China to release Gui Minhai and all detained human rights defenders and to thoroughly investigate reported cases of mistreatment and torture while in detention. The EU reiterates its calls for China to respect freedom of religion or belief and expression, as well as the rights of persons belonging to ethnic minorities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Remarks: The above quote is from the full statement available on the UNHRC’s website, but it was much shortened orally with only those two sentences said: \u201cRegarding China, the EU is concerned about the expansion of political re-education camps in Xinjiang. The EU urges China to release Gui Minhai and all detained human rights defenders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n