A UN special rapporteur has called on states to lift unilateral sanctions imposed on China, labeling them as illegal. Alena Douhan, after a 12-day visit to China, highlighted the socioeconomic and human rights repercussions of these sanctions.
Douhan observed that the sanctions have severely impacted business activities, leading to significant job losses and interruptions in production across various sectors, especially in Xinjiang. Key industries such as textiles, agriculture, and new technologies have been particularly affected, disrupting supply chains and economic stability.
The expert noted that over-compliance by businesses, driven by fear of secondary sanctions, has exacerbated these issues, resulting in adverse spill-over effects globally. This includes the suspension of international humanitarian projects and a decline in foreign research collaborations, which have undermined education and innovation.
Douhan emphasized that the sanctions have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including women, older persons, and those in informal employment, by disrupting social protection schemes and access to justice. She criticized the arbitrary assessments and lengthy legal processes faced by individuals and entities listed under these sanctions.
In her statement, Douhan reaffirmed the illegality of the extraterritorial application of unilateral sanctions and urged sanctioning states to address the over-compliance to mitigate the humanitarian impacts. Her country visit report is scheduled to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2024.
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UN expert calls to remove sanctions against China citing 'illegality'
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