Beijing, UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan today called for the lifting of sanctions against China, criticizing them as improper tools of foreign policy and economic coercion. During her 12-day visit, Douhan highlighted the broad economic disruptions and social impacts caused by these unilateral measures, particularly on vulnerable populations.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Douhan emphasized that the sanctions and the widespread over-compliance by international businesses have significantly affected China’s labor-intensive sectors, leading to job losses and undermining social protection schemes. These sectors often employ women, older individuals, and those in informal employment, who are disproportionately impacted.

Since 2017, China has faced increasing unilateral sanctions from the U.S., particularly targeting its technological companies with export controls, designations of company officials, and various charges. These measures have expanded to include restrictions related to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Hong Kong SAR, impacting key economic sectors like agriculture, construction, trade, and telecommunications.

Douhan noted that the sanctions have disrupted not only local but also international economic activities, particularly affecting Xinjiang. This disruption has led to job cuts and halted production activities, even affecting third countries and international humanitarian projects.

The Special Rapporteur also pointed out the negative impact on education and academic cooperation, with the stigmatization of Chinese students and scholars abroad and disruptions to exchange programs. She highlighted concerns about the access to justice and the fundamental principles of due process, criticizing the opaque and inefficient listing and de-listing procedures related to sanctions.

Douhan concluded by urging states, especially those imposing sanctions, to address the issue of over-compliance by businesses under their jurisdiction to mitigate the adverse humanitarian impacts of their policies. She plans to present her report on the visit to the Human Rights Council in September 2024.