UN human rights chief Volker Turk voices concerns that China’s new ethnic unity law could restrict minority freedoms and entrench assimilationist policies.

GENEVA: UN human rights chief Volker Turk has voiced concerns about China’s newly passed “ethnic unity” law. He warned the legislation risks entrenching assimilationist policies and restricting freedoms.

The law, passed by China’s National People’s Congress, formalises policies promoting Mandarin as the “national common language” in education, official business and public places.

Turk’s office stated on X that he is “concerned” by the law. “This risks entrenching assimilationist policies in statute, restricting minority-language education, and limiting free practice of religion and culture,” the statement said.

It added that the provisions “could overly restrict freedoms of expression, belief and assembly and penalise peaceful exercise of minority rights generally.”

Rights advocates warn the law could further marginalise minority groups such as the Uyghurs. China’s government has faced long-standing accusations of pursuing policies to force assimilation into the Han majority.

The legislation aims to “strengthen cohesion” within China, arguing the country is undergoing unprecedented social change. China officially recognises 55 ethnic minorities within its borders who speak hundreds of languages and dialects.

Turk’s statement emphasised that “international human rights law requires states to protect identities of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities.”

 The Sun Malaysia