On the Tenth Anniversary of Cao Shunli's Passing, HRIC Co-Sponsors Commemoration Event in Geneva
On March 14th in Geneva, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) commemorated ten years since the tragic death of the brave Chinese human rights defender Cao Shunli. HRIC proudly co-sponsored this event.
In every corner of the world, including China, individuals aspire to live with dignity, express themselves freely, and uphold justice. Yet, the Chinese government views these aspirations as challenges to its authority. Cao Shunli's endeavor to spotlight China's human rights issues at the United Nations led to her detention and her tragic demise in custody—a fate that, despite UN experts' appeals, remains uninvestigated. The tribute illuminated the ongoing struggles of those courageously standing against injustice, accentuated by a memorial sculpture unveiling for Cao Shunli, petitioning for its permanent installment in Geneva—a testament to her legacy and the unyielding fight for human rights.
Cao’s ordeal reflects the broader assault on human rights advocates in China—many face imprisonment, disappearance, or severe reprisals for their engagement with UN mechanisms. We join the call for the City of Geneva to install a bust honoring Cao Shunli. Such a memorial would not only commemorate her relentless fight for human rights but also reinforce the global commitment to those who risk everything to engage with the UN's human rights entities. It is a testament to their resilience and a clear stance against impunity, echoing a message of unwavering support and remembrance for their sacrifices.
Cao Shunli's enduring legacy and the unwavering tenacity of rights defenders inspire us to persist in our advocacy, fostering hope through steadfast commitment. As HRIC continues to stand in solidarity with those championing human rights, we invite you to join us in this vital endeavor. Luo Shengchun, activist and wife of imprisoned human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, spoke at the event: "Under Xi Jinping's government, the human rights situation in China has deteriorated over the past ten years, and we've lost any chance we had to defend human rights. But it is not because there is hope that we persist. Rather, it is because we persevere that there is hope."
