In a recent statement, a United Nations special rapporteur has called on countries to lift unilateral sanctions against China, citing their illegality and adverse effects on human rights.
Alena Douhan, the UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, concluded a 12-day visit to China, where she assessed the impact of sanctions imposed by various nations. During her investigation, Douhan found that these unilateral sanctions have led to significant socioeconomic challenges, including over-compliance by businesses, widespread job losses, and disruptions in justice systems.
“The unilateral sanctions against China have caused a notable decline in business activities,” Douhan stated. “This decline is due to both direct restrictions from the sanctions and over-compliance by foreign businesses fearful of secondary sanctions.”
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The repercussions of the sanctions have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, particularly in labor-intensive sectors. “Job losses have led to disruptions in social protection schemes, disproportionately impacting women, older persons, and those in informal employment,” she noted.
Challenges in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Douhan highlighted that the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has been particularly affected, with key economic sectors and international supply chains being disrupted. The most impacted industries include textiles, cotton, agriculture, and new technologies such as polycrystalline silicon used in the photovoltaic industry.
Educational and Scientific Impact
The sanctions have also extended to education and scientific collaboration. Foreign researchers and qualified personnel are leaving China due to concerns about career development, and Chinese scholars face increasing restrictions engaging with international academic institutions. This includes limitations on exchange programs, scholarships, and joint research projects.
“Sanctions have often resulted in arbitrary assessments of Chinese students’ and scholars’ backgrounds, affecting visa issuance and collaboration opportunities,” Douhan explained.
Concerns Over Due Process
Douhan expressed concern over the undermining of access to justice and fundamental principles of due process. “Designated individuals and entities are not provided with evidence for their designation and have limited capacity to pursue administrative and judicial proceedings,” she said. “These processes are often lengthy, costly, non-transparent, and inefficient.”
Calls for Action
The special rapporteur reiterated the illegality of the extraterritorial application of unilateral sanctions. She urged sanctioning states to address over-compliance by businesses and other entities under their jurisdiction to mitigate or eliminate adverse humanitarian impacts.
Douhan will present her full country visit report to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2024.
Reference(s):
UN expert calls to remove sanctions against China citing 'illegality'
cgtn.com
