Human Rights in China

1. Human Rights in China Nick Carignan Josh Menke

2. Women • The Chinese government recognizes the need for women’s rights but considers women's’ rights as a lesser category of human rights • In China, the government recognizes the need for human rights but the government’s objectives take precedence above the rights of women • Spousal beating is prevalent across China and is considered socially acceptable in many parts of the country Few of these women have the chance to escape this as it is hard to initiate legal action unless the woman’s family files a complaint There is a large problem in China involving the sexual trafficking of women. The government turns a blind eye unless the women’s family files a complaint

3. Women • Education/ Employment • Women’s salaries are an average of 25% less than men’s and are typically employed in industry work. Also, 70-80% of those laid off as a result of downsizing are women. • One researcher stated that, “At job fairs, employers openly advertise positions for men only, and university campus recruiters often state that they will not hire women. Employers justify such discrimination by saying that they cannot afford the benefits they are required to provide for pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants.” Women make up only 25% of undergraduates in universities Colleges that have a large amount of female applicants have been known to require higher entrance exam scores for women than men.

4. Women • Violations Against Female Children: • Because of the one child policy and the desire for male children, female infanticide and female child abandonment have become prevalent. Also, many female births are concealed. Therefore they have trouble getting educated and getting a job because they are not registered. • Also, many women are having ultrasounds to predetermine what gender the fetus is. They then have abortions until they get a male child. Though this has been outlawed, it is still practiced in many rural areas.

5. Tibet • Tibet was once ruled by the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist leader • Chinese took control in 1950 • Tibet was once ruled by the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist leader • Chinese took control in 1950

6. Tibet • hundreds of Tibetans have been incarcerated for peacefully expressing their political and religious belief • prisons are reported to be dismal, with numerous accounts of torture and ill-treatment • PRC law enforcement officials have perpetrated violent acts against Tibetan women in detention centers and prisons

7. Tibet • Tibetans have severely restricted religious practice • Buddhist nuns and lay women have been subject to torture or violent, degrading and inhuman treatment, including assault, rape and sexual abuse. • In June 1994, one Tibetan nun died while in custody, reportedly as a result of a beating by guards. • 6,000 Buddhist monasteries that were destroyed by the PRC since its 1949 invasion of Tibet • Only a few hundred have been rebuilt.

8. Muslims • In the Xinjiang province of northern China, the Uighurs are an ethnic minority that practices Islam • The Chinese government has placed strict restrictions on when and where their religion can be practiced

9. Muslims • Encouraged a majority group Han Chinese to migrate into the area • Han Chinese obtain higher paying jobs nad other benefits • Uighur people are becoming a minority in their own land

10. Muslims • Wish to be independent from China • Strategic military location • Important source of petroleum and other natural resources

11. Bibliography • Lau, Charles. "China Human Rights Fact Sheet." Christus Rex. Web. 08 Feb.2011.<http://www.christusrex.org/www1/sdc/hr_facts.html#Woman>.