China deploys army of fake NGOs at UN to intimidate, silence critics
a year ago
- #Human Rights
- #UN
- #China
- China is using government-organized NGOs (Gongos) to monitor and intimidate rights activists at the UN.
- Gongos disrupt UN Human Rights Council sessions to counter criticism of China's human rights record.
- A 2022 UN report cited possible 'crimes against humanity' against Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
- Over half of the NGOs speaking at a recent UN review of China were pro-government groups.
- Activists report being surveilled or harassed by suspected Chinese government proxies in Geneva.
- A group of activists refused to meet inside UN buildings due to fear of Chinese surveillance.
- The death of activist Cao Shunli in 2014 has deterred others from engaging with the UN.
- Chinese rights defenders' participation in UN activities is at a record low.
- The number of Chinese NGOs registered with the UN has nearly doubled since 2018.