A new commentary by Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng says the human rights situation in China has deteriorated to an unprecedented level, in “harshest and most brutal political oppression since the end of Mao Zedong’s rule”. Gao Zhisheng was ‘disappeared’ in August 2017 and is believed to be in custody in Beijing. His commentary, […]
Commentary by detained human rights lawyer Read More »
Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng has authored a 40-page document detailing human rights abuses and related social issues in China during 2016. This is the first comprehensive human rights commentary written by a human rights lawyer still living in China. Gao Zhisheng is a prominent human rights lawyer who is best known for his
Briefing: Gao Zhisheng report Read More »
“While immersed in drafting a Constitution for China, I set aside some time to write a report on Chinas human rights in 2016, only to find that this project is constrained to a great extent by the Chinese characteristics of my current situation: blockage of my social media accounts whenever I attempt to use them,
2016 Human Rights Report for China by Gao Zhisheng Read More »
On 7 September China’s State Council released a set of revisions to the 2005 Regulations on Religious Affairs which strengthen state control over religious activities in China. According to the state media agency Xinhua News, the revised regulations “protect freedom of religion belief”; however, the revisions also clearly focus on the “management and supervision” of
Revisions to Regulations on Religious Affairs Read More »
There has been a marked deterioration in the protection of human rights overall in China from 2013 to the present. Individuals on the frontlines of defending human rights have long encountered oppression from the government in the form of harassment, intimidation and imprisonment. However, under President Xi Jinping this oppression has not only increased for
China: Current Cases and Concerns (July 2017) Read More »
“He was forced to take medicine. They stuffed the pills into his mouth… After taking the pills he felt pain in his muscles and his vision was blurred… He was beaten. He endured gruelling questioning while being denied sleep for days on end…” Wang Qiaoling describing the torture of her husband, lawyer Li Heping “Even
No Ifs, No Buts: Torture Should Be Universally Condemned Read More »
CSW statement at the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the demolition of places of worship in China and Sudan. Human Rights Council 35th Session Agenda 4 General Debate Topic: Demolition of Places of Worship in China and Sudan Speaker: Sini Maria Heikkila June 2017 Thank you Mr President. Christian Solidarity Worldwide
CSW statement at UN HRC35 on China and Sudan Read More »
Li Heping’s reunion with his family on 9 May 2017 was a moment for celebration; the celebration of an innocent man’s reunion with his long-suffering family and the celebration of the end of a period of torture, interrogation and imprisonment. But the joy of Li Heping’s reunion with his family is tempered by continuing concerns
Li Heping’s Release – A Moment to Celebrate or a Continuing Case of Concern? Read More »
On 18 April, five Christians from Xinjiang Province, China, were jailed for 3-5 years for participating in the planning of a Bible study. The sentencing occurred against the backdrop of the detention of dozens of Uyghur Muslims for ‘illegal religious activities.’ A court in Changji, Xinjiang Province, sentenced the Christians on 18 April, according to
Muslims and Christians detained in Xinjiang Read More »
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organisation specialising in freedom of religion or belief for all (FoRB). Working with a variety of partners, CSW monitors the right to freedom of religion or belief in China within the broader context of human rights protection, and advocates for the right to freedom of religion of
China UPR Mid-Term Review (January 2017) Read More »
