The UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process in which states are given the opportunity to declare which actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their countries, and to review the situation in all other countries. It is also a useful mechanism for civil society to submit information and to raise concerns. The last UPR of China took place in November 2018, and The Rights Practice submitted a report recommending China end the use of unofficial places of detention and ensure all detainees have prompt access to a lawyer.

The next UPR is tentatively planned to take place in January to February 2024. In November 2021, we submitted a mid-term report reflecting on the last UPR recommendations, China's response and the developments since. We focus on two thematic areas in this report: the use of the death penalty and the deprivation of liberty and risk of torture, including in Xinjiang.

We are concerned about obstacles to a fair trial, restricted access to lawyers and lack of judicial transparency.

Read our full submission here: UN Universal Periodic Review of China. Mid-term Report.