China’s ethnic unity law denounced as ‘forced assimilation’ by rights groups

China's New Ethnic Unity Law Sparks Fears of Eroding Minority Rights A highly anticipated law aimed at promoting ethnic unity in China has come into effect, sparking widespread concern among human rights groups and foreign governments. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress is being hailed by Beijing as a means of fostering a shared national identity among the country's diverse ethnic groups. However, critics argue that the legislation will have the opposite effect, further eroding the rights of already persecuted minority groups, including the Uyghurs and Tibetans. As the law takes hold, many are worried that it will give Beijing even greater leverage to pursue dissidents and critics abroad, raising tensions with the international community.

Law comes into effect that critics fear will further erode rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, as well as allow Beijing to pursue dissidents abroadA new ethnic unity law has come into effect in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities.The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a “shared” national identity among ethnic groups, for example by strengthening the status of Mandarin as the official language. But overseas campaigners have argued it will further degrade the rights of ethnic minorities, such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, that Beijing is accused of persecuting. Continue reading...