Lord Alton’s Balloted Debate on Government Policy Towards China

On Thursday, 19 December, the House of Lords engaged in a critical debate on government policy towards China, focusing on human rights and security issues in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, the South China Sea, and the plight of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

On Thursday, 19 December, the House of Lords engaged in a critical debate on government policy towards China, focusing on human rights and security issues in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, the South China Sea, and the plight of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

The debate, led by Lord Alton of Liverpool, Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB), provided a powerful platform to address the urgent and growing concerns over religious persecution and human rights violations in China. Lord Alton’s long-standing commitment to human rights and his leadership on issues relating to freedom of religion or belief shone through in this vital discussion.

Key Issues Highlighted

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang
The treatment of Uyghur Muslims remains one of the most alarming examples of state-sponsored religious persecution in the world. Lord Alton and other contributors underscored the use of mass surveillance, forced labor, internment camps, and cultural erasure aimed at suppressing Uyghur identity and religious practices.

Crackdown on Religious and Political Freedoms in Hong Kong
The erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong under the National Security Law was also a focus, with reflections on its chilling effect on religious gatherings and the broader civil liberties of its residents.

Human Rights in Tibet
The targeting of Tibetan Buddhists, including restrictions on religious leaders like the Dalai Lama and the destruction of Tibetan cultural sites, was raised as an ongoing concern.

Threats to Religious and Cultural Minorities
The debate also acknowledged the broader implications of China’s actions for global religious freedom, calling for robust international responses to prevent further erosion of fundamental rights.

The APPG FoRB commends Lord Alton for his tireless advocacy in holding the government to account on matters of human rights and religious freedom. His leadership in this debate reflects the APPG’s mission to champion FoRB globally, addressing the intersection of state oppression and religious persecution.

The contributions of members across the political spectrum highlighted the urgent need for coordinated international action to safeguard religious and cultural freedoms. This debate serves as a reminder that promoting FoRB is not only a moral imperative but also essential for global peace and security.

As Vice-Chair of the APPG FoRB, Lord Alton continues to exemplify the role of Parliamentarians in standing against injustice, amplifying the voices of the persecuted, and ensuring that the UK remains a beacon for human rights advocacy.

To read the full transcript of the debate:

https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2024-12-19/debates/EC75B825-49A1-4C49-888E-BC9DD4576DB1/ChinaHumanRightsAndSecurity

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“Human Rights are not a privilege conferred by government.  They are every human beings entitlement by virtue of their humanity”

– Mother Teresa –