Human Rights in China- Development without Civic Empowerment

Violations of human rights in China are particularly hard to clamp down on because of the U.S.'s interconnectedness with China's economy, and China's international position as a nuclear power. This status prevents foreign governments from interfering in China and trying to ameliorate Chinese policies. China achieved tremendous economic growth without openly liberalizing its economy. The empowerment of the middle class has been avoided, as the government continues to hold the reins of social, political and commercial life. Since the rise of the middle class is usually accompanied by demands for more freedoms, China has followed a development path that avoids such an event.

The Chinese government claims that its strict controls are necessary for economic growth, which secures human rights by increasing standards of living and health. The condition of many improved after the end of General Mao's regime in the 1970s, during which tens of millions died and starved. However, the current regime continues to oppress its people, through both old and new ways.

Press, Speech, Assembly and Protest: Restrictions for Political Control

The Chinese government is infamous for intolerance of its opposition. Dissenters often disappear, are imprisoned without trial and subject to torture. Human rights lawyers have also been beaten, stripped, and imprisoned.

In 1989, the most recent public movement for democracy was brutally thwarted in Tiananmen Square, where up to 10,000 people were killed. This was followed by martial law, closely controlled media and a round-up of the movement's supporters. During this tragedy's 20th anniversary in 2009, China closely controlled the internet and other media, and increased police presence to crush protests and remembrance events.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics brought many of these issues to light. The Chinese government did not want its foreign visitors to witness the extent of domestic discontent, but wanted to put up a front of allowing assemblies and protests. Protesters had to register with authorities before protesting, and were allowed to do so within a specific time and place. If the authorities did not like the cause of protests (like protests for Tibet's independence), they simply did not allow the registration. Several foreign protesters were detained and deported during this time. There have also been reports of disappearances and torture of locals protesting against the displacement caused by the Olympics and neglect of human rights. Amnesty International has released reports of such torture, including binding people in tight positions where they are forced to eat, sleep and defecate for days. The press was also heavily restricted during the Olympics, contrary to promises made by Chinese authorities. Access to certain websites, particularly human rights ones, was closed. A reporter was also arrested for documenting a pro-Tibet protest.

Re-education through Labor

This is a controversial method used to detain people who have committed a broad range of crimes, from petty theft to crimes against the state. The police, not the judicial system, give sentences to re-education through labor, and people are often subject to it without charges, trials and judicial processes. They can be detained for up to four years in this way. Detainees are paid a small salary to perform tasks like construction and agriculture work. The U.S. State Department has warned of poor and degrading conditions in the camps. Over 190,000 people are reported to be in such camps. There is no credible safeguard against violations of human rights within the camps. During the Beijing Olympics, people applying for permits to protest moves such as Tibetan independence were sent to work in these camps. The use of such "re-education" attempts reinforces perceptions that the government seeks to brainwash or control the minds of its citizens.

Combating Technology: Controlling the Internet

The Chinese government attempts to control the internet in order to limit the information and discussion potential of its citizens. Many young Chinese know nothing of the historic Tiananmen protests against the government, and the history and details of separatist movements in Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang. By controlling information, the government controls perceptions and opinions.

International search engines such as Microsoft, Google and Yahoo have complied with authorities in creating internet restrictions in China. For instance, the word "democracy" is banned in chat rooms. Other service providers, such as Skype, have filtration systems to block words that the government deems inappropriate. China has also considered requirements for filtering software to be installed in every computer sold in China.

U.N. Action

In February 2009, China faced scrutiny by the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC) for its human rights record. This occurred as part of the process called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), wherein each U.N. member state has its human rights record investigated by the HRC every four years. China was asked about its labor camps, government-sponsored torture, treatment of those in opposition to the government, and the situation in Tibet, where a live dissident movement exists.

The Chinese Ambassador to the UPR, Li Baodong, strongly defended his country's rights record. He acknowledged China's status, saying, "We are fully aware of our difficulties and challenges in the field of human rights." He claimed people in China enjoy freedom of expression and that the government is against torture. On being questioned on the treatment of minority groups, particularly Tibetans and Uighurs, Li said such groups would not be tortured, and firmly insisted that he would not allow these issues to be politicized during the investigation in the U.N. Li noted that China had managed to reduce poverty, life expectancy and maternal mortality.

For the HRC to improve its credibility, it must not allow deceptive accounts given by countries to go unchallenged. The Chinese delegation made sweeping statements, such as: "There is no censorship in China." Human rights groups have called the Chinese report a mockery of the U.N. review system. China strictly enforces media and internet censorship of sensitive topics. Democracy supporters have been detained. Lawsuits filed by parents whose children died during 2008's earthquake in Sichuan or through the consumption of adulterated milk powder, have been squashed. Juliette de Rivero of Human Rights Watch said, "Amid heightening repression of China's human rights lawyers, a tightening chokehold on freedom of expression, and an ongoing crackdown in Tibet, the Chinese government has tried to whitewash its human rights record in the hope that the U.N. will just look the other way."

After making its presentation to the HRC, China rejected recommendations by U.N. member states. It refused to end the death penalty and re-education through labor camps. China also called for action against those who call themselves "human rights defenders with the objective of attacking the interests of China." Suggestions for more freedom to be granted to lawyers and religious groups were rejected, along with calls for greater protections for Tibetan and Uighur minorities.

The Road Ahead

In the face of international criticism, China has acknowledged its need to focus on human rights. It adds that foreign accusers, including the U.S., have human rights problems of their own that should not be neglected. The U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has condemned the multiple and varied human rights abuses of China, and she seeks to persist in pressuring them to comply with international norms.

China's neglect of human rights also empowers like-minded governments. For instance, the brutal civil conflict in Sudan- particularly Darfur- has been supported by a government partly propped up by China. Because of the trade and oil-supply relationship that Sudan and China share, China neglected the atrocities committed by the Sudanese government, continued to engage Sudan economically, and even supplied Sudan with arms. China also challenged U.N. action against Sudan by threatening to veto Security Council resolutions relating to it and ignoring embargoes.

In 1988, China became a member of the U.N. Convention Against Torture. It is time the Chinese government respected its obligations under this treaty, and respected human rights all around. In April 2009, the government released a 2009-2010 Human Rights action plan to address issues such as preventing the torture of prisoners and increasing the presence of female officials. This is a welcome step, and its careful implementation is of crucial importance.

Resources

Open Letter from Tiananmen Mothers
Human Rights Watch page on Human Rights during the Chinese Olympics
Chinese legislation on censoring computers and the internet
Amnesty International Report
Amnesty International brochure on the two sides of the Beijing Olympics
2009-2010 Human Rights Action Plan by the Chinese government