UN Rights Chief Urges China to Repeal Ethnic Unity Law

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged China to repeal the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress before it takes effect on July 1, 2026. Addressing the 62nd Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Türk said the law could deepen restrictions on language, education, religion, culture, expression and assembly, while penalizing the peaceful exercise of minority rights. He voiced concern about China’s counterterrorism and assimilation policies affecting minorities in Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. The National People’s Congress adopted the law on March 12, 2026. Türk called for its repeal and an end to those practices.