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

AI Summary

China's newly enacted Ethnic Unity Law aims to promote a shared national identity and strengthen Mandarin as the official language but has been condemned by rights groups worldwide for enforcing forced assimilation. Critics warn it threatens freedoms and further undermines rights of ethnic minorities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans.

Law comes into effect that critics fear will further erode rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, as well as allow Beijing to pursue dissidents abroad A 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...