UN experts raise concerns over China’s ethnic unity law

The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress is set to take effect from July 1, 2026.

A group of UN Special Rapporteurs issued a joint communication to the Chinese government warning that the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress could undermine the rights of ethnic minorities, including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongols. The communication notes that the law could convert temporary regional measures into nationwide obligations, reinforces a hierarchy by subordinating minority languages to Mandarin in public life, and may restrict freedom of religion. It also questions compatibility with China’s international obligations, including the ICESCR and CRC. Signatories include Nicolas Levrat, Alexandra Xanthaki, Surya Deva, Farida Shaheed; and Irene Khan, Gina Romero, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, and Nazila Ghanea.

The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was passed by China's 14th National People's Congress on March 12, 2026. The law is set to take effect from July 1, 2026.

The Dharamshala-based Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile passed a resolution in March 2026 rejecting the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, deeming it legally illegitimate and morally invalid under international and constitutional standards.