Conference on Ilham Tohti and Human Rights for the Uyghur in Munich

  ilham-tohtiOn the occasion of the International Day for Human Rights, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), in cooperation with the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP), Ilham Tohti Initiative (ITI) and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen convened a conference in the Bayrischer Landtag in Munich on 12 December 2016. Entitled “Ilham Tohti and the Situation of the Human Rights of the Uyghur”, the conference brought together a variety of researchers, experts and representatives of diaspora movements to discuss the pressing issue of Uyghur intellectual Ilham Tohti’s unjust imprisonment, how this represented a wider deprivation of fundamental human rights for the Uyghur, and what concrete steps must be taken to achieve peaceful coexistence between Han Chinese and Uyghurs. 

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Kristina Moriconi: The Problem with Me: And Other Essays about Making Trouble in China Today

problem-with-meThis provocative collection from “China’s Troublemaker” falls short on wit and excels at arrogance.

In the translators’ introduction to Han Han’s collection of essays, The Problem with Me, we come to know this young, influential writer is speaking for “a new generation of troublemakers and dissidents, young people [in China] unhappy with the status quo.” And “central to enjoying Han Han’s writing is his sense of humor.” Continue reading

China Dismisses Critics’ Human Rights Day Statements

Last Saturday was Human Rights Day, the 68th anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The occasion brought a chorus of protests over abuses in China, from detentions and prosecutions of rights lawyers to measures against citizen journalists and NGOs. Among the critical statements was an open letter from Pen International, signed by 125 writers including Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Yann Martel, and Salman Rushdie. From The Guardian: Continue reading

On Human Rights Day, UN Urges Everyone to Stand Up for Universal Rights

people-gather-at-freedom-park-during-a-human-rights-day-celebration-in-phnom-penh-cambodia-dec-10-2016

People gather at Freedom Park during a Human Rights Day celebration in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Dec. 10, 2016.

Countries around the world mark International Human Rights Day December 10.

As disrespect for basic human rights continues to be widespread in many parts of the globe, the United Nations is calling on everyone to stand up for universal rights. Continue reading

China to Try Top Human Rights Lawyer, Delays Three Other Cases

Authorities in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin have indicted prominent rights lawyer Li Heping on unknown charges, paving the way for a trial, while other lawyers detained in a July 2015 crackdown remain in pretrial detention. Continue reading

PEN International’s Open Letter: Time for China to release writers, journalists and activists

pen2016Today, on World Human Rights Day, our Pen International community of writers, readers, activists and publishers condemn the Chinese authorities’ sustained and increasing attack on free expression and call for an immediate end to China’s worsening crackdown on fundamental human rights. Continue reading

The European Union Delegation in China issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in China

Bruxelles, 09/12/2016 – 13:49 – UNIQUE ID: 161209_11

Every year on 10 December the international community celebrates the anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This anniversary is an opportunity for both the EU and China to examine their progress in protecting the human rights of all persons. Continue reading

China: PEN renews its calls to release all writers, journalists and publishers

pen-digital-freedom-logo7 December 2016

RAN 24/16

 

 

Ahead of World Human Rights Day, PEN International reiterates its calls on the Chinese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all writers, journalists, bloggers and publishers held for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of opinion, expression and association. The number of detained and imprisoned writers in China is among the highest in the world. PEN also calls on the authorities to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights without further delay. Continue reading