Joint Statement on The Chinese Government's Failure to Implement UPR Recommendations on LGBTQ+ Rights
Together with China Rainbow Observation, the Chinese Lala Association, and Chinese Trans Voices, HRIC issues this statement in response to China’s disappointing response to Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations on LGBTQ+ rights. Accepted but unimplemented recommendations, noted but ignored protections, and outright rejected reforms show a lack of commitment to human rights. We urge the Chinese government to immediately implement legal reform, support LGBTQ NGOs, and encourage fair media representation. We ask the international community to read and share our full statement, below.
下附中文版
In the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), China's response to Member States’ recommendations concerning Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) has been profoundly disappointing and reveals significant shortcomings in the protection of LGBTQ+ rights in China.
Recommendations Accepted and Implemented
22.413 Norway: This recommendation emphasizes ensuring free, safe, and meaningful participation of marginalized groups and human rights defenders, including LGBTQ+ persons and religious groups. Although the Chinese government claims to have accepted and implemented this recommendation, the reality shows that SOGIE groups are not adequately protected. China's legal system contains no references to SOGIE, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals without legal or factual safeguards. Therefore, this acceptance has not resulted in substantive change, raising doubts about the government's sincerity and significantly diverging from reality.
Recommendations Noted
22.77 New Zealand, 22.408 Chile, 22.409 Germany, 22.410 Ireland, 22.411 Malta, 22.412 Netherlands, 22.415 Uruguay: These recommendations emphasize that Chinese laws should protect the lawful rights of all citizens equally and prohibit any form of discrimination, particularly discrimination based on SOGIE. However, the reality is that LGBTQ+ individuals in China face severe systemic discrimination and lack basic protections in education, the workplace, and healthcare. For instance, LGBTQ+ students often face bullying and violence in schools, with some instances resulting in tragic suicides. The Chinese government has merely noted these recommendations, which lacks clear commitment and action. We find the Chinese government’s response unconvincing and indicative of its intent to ignore these recommendations.
Recommendations Rejected
22.164 Iceland, 22.179 Sweden, 22.414 United States: These countries recommended that China remove restrictions on expression, ensure full rights for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and end repressive measures against marginalized groups. China rejected these recommendations, citing "false information" or unnecessary urgency. We are extremely disappointed and outraged by these rejections.
In recent years, China has launched smear campaigns against LGBTQ+ human rights defenders and suppressed civil society organizations, including closing offices and arresting staff. Notable examples include the shutdown of Shanghai Pride in 2020, the Beijing LGBT Center in 2023, and the arrest of many activists during the White Paper Movement. Rejecting these recommendations, which aim to protect SOGIE groups, reflects China's false commitment to human rights and deliberate violations of these rights.
Criticism and Appeal
The Chinese government's response to SOGIE-related recommendations in the UPR highlights significant gaps in human rights protection. We strongly urge the Chinese government to reconsider these recommendations and implement effective measures to ensure the genuine protection of LGBTQ+ rights. Specific measures include:
Legal Reform and Protection: Amend existing laws to explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE), particularly in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare. This will provide a legal framework to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from systemic discrimination.
Support for LGBTQ Organizations: Foster a supportive environment for LGBTQ non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by simplifying the registration process, enabling these organizations to operate legally and provide necessary services to the LGBTQ community. This will empower civil society and enhance support networks for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Enhance LGBTQ Representation: Reduce censorship and promote fair representation of LGBTQ individuals in the media. Increasing visibility and positive portrayal of LGBTQ individuals can significantly improve public acceptance and understanding of sexual minorities in China.
The international community must hold the Chinese government accountable for its human rights obligations and continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. We stand in solidarity with all marginalized groups and will continue to fight for equality and justice.
Sincerely,
China Rainbow Observation
The Chinese Lala Association
Chinese Trans Voices
Human Rights in China
For further information, please contact:
communications@hrichina.org
尊敬的各位代表：
在第四轮普遍定期审议（UPR）中，中国对成员国关于性取向、性别认同和表达（SOGIE）相关建议的回应令人深感失望，暴露了中国在保护性少数群体（LGBTQ+）权利方面的重大缺陷。
接受并实施的建议
22.413 挪威：该建议强调确保边缘化群体和人权捍卫者（包括LGBTQ+人士和宗教群体）自由、安全和有意义的参与。尽管中国政府声称已接受并实施该建议，但现实表明SOGIE群体没有得到充分保护。中国的法律体系中没有关于SOGIE的任何条款，使LGBTQ+个体缺乏法律或事实上的保障。因此，这种接受并未带来实质性的改变，引发了对政府真诚度的怀疑，与现实严重脱节。
仅予注意的建议
22.77 新西兰、22.408 智利、22.409 德国、22.410 爱尔兰、22.411 马耳他、22.412 荷兰、22.415 乌拉圭：这些建议强调中国法律应平等保护所有公民的合法权利，禁止任何形式的歧视，特别是基于SOGIE的歧视。然而，现实情况是中国的LGBTQ+个体面临严重的系统性歧视，在教育、工作场所和医疗保健方面缺乏基本保护。例如，LGBTQ+学生经常在学校遭受欺凌和暴力，有些情况甚至导致了悲剧性的自杀。中国政府仅对这些建议予以注意，缺乏明确的承诺和行动。我们对中国政府的回应感到难以信服，并认为这显示出其无视这些建议的意图。
拒绝的建议
22.164 冰岛、22.179 瑞典、22.414 美国：这些国家建议中国取消言论限制，确保包括LGBTQ+个体在内的所有人的全面权利，停止对边缘化群体的压制性措施。中国拒绝了这些建议，称其为“虚假信息”或不必要的紧急情况。我们对此拒绝深感失望和愤怒。
近年来，中国对LGBTQ+人权捍卫者发起了抹黑运动，并压制民间社会组织，包括关闭办公室和逮捕工作人员。著名例子包括2020年关闭的上海骄傲节，2023年关闭的北京同志中心，以及白纸运动期间逮捕的许多活动家。拒绝这些旨在保护SOGIE群体的建议，反映了中国对人权的虚假承诺和故意违反这些权利的行为。
批评与呼吁
中国政府对UPR中SOGIE相关建议的回应凸显了人权保护的重大缺口。我们强烈敦促中国政府重新考虑这些建议，并采取有效措施，确保LGBTQ+权利的真正保护。具体措施包括：
法律改革与保护：修订现行法律，明确禁止基于性取向、性别认同和表达（SOGIE）的歧视，特别是在教育、就业和医疗等领域。这将提供一个法律框架，以保护LGBTQ+个体免受系统性歧视。
支持LGBTQ组织：简化注册程序，为LGBTQ非政府组织（NGO）创造支持性的环境，使这些组织能够合法运营，并为LGBTQ社区提供必要的服务。这将赋权民间社会，并增强LGBTQ个体的支持网络。
增强LGBTQ代表性：减少审查，促进媒体中LGBTQ个体的公平代表。增加LGBTQ个体的可见性和正面形象，可以显著改善公众对性少数群体的接受度和理解。
国际社会必须让中国政府对其人权义务负责，并继续倡导LGBTQ+个体的权利。我们与所有边缘化群体站在一起，并将继续为平等和正义而斗争。
敬上，
中国彩虹观察
中国拉拉协会
华跨之音
中国人权
如需更多信息，请联系：
communications@hrichina.org