The United Nations elected China to its Economic and Social Council on the exact anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, raising serious questions about the UN’s commitment to human rights principles.

At a Glance

• China was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre
• Other nations with controversial human rights records, including Russia and Turkey, were also elected
• Human Rights Watch has urged China to address the Tiananmen massacre and stop censoring commemorations
• UN Watch called the election a “moral outrage” that diminishes the credibility of the UN human rights system
• Despite ongoing censorship, groups plan to hold 77 events in 40 cities across 10 countries to commemorate the Tiananmen anniversary

Controversial UN Decision Raises Eyebrows

The United Nations General Assembly has elected China to its Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The timing of this decision has sparked outrage among human rights advocates as it coincided with the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, where the Chinese government violently suppressed pro-democracy protesters in 1989. China received an overwhelming 180 votes, representing 95% approval from voting member states.

“It’s like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank,” Executive Director Hillel Neuer lamented. “Electing repressive regimes like China, Russia, and Turkey to a key UN council, which has the power to expel human rights groups from the UN, is a moral outrage, and shame on our democracies who were complicit.”

China wasn’t alone in this controversial election. Russia secured 115 votes (61%), Turkey won 174 votes (92%), Chad received 183 votes (96%), and Burundi gained 184 votes (97%). All these nations have faced serious criticisms regarding their human rights records, raising questions about the integrity of ECOSOC and its ability to fulfill its mandate of promoting human rights globally.

As someone who formerly worked at @amnesty, it fills me with a degree of deep sadness to see Chow Hang-tung on an Amnesty poster. (We were friends when she was at Amnesty HK).

Few people worked harder (and with more respect) to assist Chinese people struggling for human rights. https://t.co/ldXLY8GMOn

— William Nee (@williamnee) June 3, 2024

Tiananmen Anniversary Highlights China’s Ongoing Censorship

As China celebrates its new position on the UN council, it continues to enforce strict censorship regarding the Tiananmen Square massacre. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized China’s “enforced amnesia” about the event, where hundreds, possibly thousands, of pro-democracy protesters were killed by government forces on June 4, 1989. The Chinese government has never acknowledged responsibility or held anyone accountable for these actions.

“The Chinese government has never owned up to the Tiananmen Massacre, much less provided redress for victims and their families. Beijing’s enforced amnesia has deepened authoritarian rule in China, yet it has not extinguished demands for the truth, democracy, and respect for human rights.”, said Yalkun Uluyol.

Recently leaked documents reveal that China employs artificial intelligence, directed by the Cyberspace Administration of China, to censor any references to the massacre. The government has banned commemorations nationwide and extended this ban to Hong Kong in 2021, where annual vigils were previously held. Groups like the Tiananmen Mothers, who seek accountability for their slain children, face constant surveillance and harassment.

International Response and Ongoing Concerns

Despite China’s efforts to erase the memory of Tiananmen Square, international organizations remain committed to commemorating the event. The Hong Kong Democracy Council plans to hold “77 events in 40 cities in 10 countries” to mark the anniversary, demonstrating global solidarity with the victims and their families. Human Rights Watch has called on China to respect freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and to conduct an independent public inquiry into the massacre.

China’s election to ECOSOC comes amid ongoing international scrutiny for human rights violations in Xinjiang, where the UN has accused China of state-sponsored slavery of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other non-Han communities. The country also faces criticism for its crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong. The UN General Assembly did not address these concerns or the Tiananmen Square anniversary during the vote, raising serious questions about the organization’s commitment to upholding the very human rights principles it claims to champion.

Leeds, Guildford, Nottingham & Bristol will also hold rallies to mark the 4th anniversary of the start of the 2019-2020 #HongKong protests & continue the struggle for freedom & democracy. Pls join in where you can! pic.twitter.com/WKUQxQCsMP

— Hong Kong Democracy Council (@hkdc_us) June 7, 2023