Global Concerns Rise as China Tightens Grip on Dissent, UN Chief Urges Fulfillment of Human Rights

Rights groups are raising concerns about China's increasing crackdown on dissent, both domestically and internationally, as they mark the 75th anniversary of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Activists and their families have faced punishment, including exit bans, detention, eviction, harassment, and assault. Western governments are being criticized for not pressuring China enough, while a more powerful China under President Xi Jinping has become less responsive to international pressure. The EU recently expressed "deep concerns" about the rights situation in China during a summit, but critics argue that the human rights dialogue falls short of achieving real outcomes for dissidents.