Geneva: On 16 April 2026 Geneva, a group of UN Special Rapporteurs from the United Nations raised serious concerns about China’s newly adopted Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which is scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026. While the law is officially intended to strengthen national unity and social cohesion, UN experts warn it may undermine fundamental human rights, especially for ethnic minorities.

The law reflects a broader policy shift in China toward prioritising a unified national identity over ethnic diversity. This could significantly impact minority groups such as Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongols, despite existing constitutional protections for cultural and linguistic rights.

A key concern is the law’s vague language, including prohibitions against actions that “undermine ethnic unity.” The UN warns that such ambiguity could allow authorities to suppress freedom of expression, academic work, and cultural practices through broad or arbitrary interpretation.

Education provisions are also controversial. The law promotes Mandarin as the primary language of instruction, pot...