What human rights legacy for the Beijing Olympic Games?

Human rights defenders are activists who promote human rights through non-violent means. According to the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, states have a duty to ensure specific protection for the peaceful activities of human rights defenders.

In March 2004, China amended its constitution to include the clause “the State respects and protects human rights.” However activists in China who attempt to report on human rights violations, challenge policies that are deemed politically sensitive, or try to rally others to their cause still face serious risk of abuse, including intimidation, harassment, police surveillance and imprisonment. In the run up to the Beijing Olympics activists have been targeted. Even if they engage in legitimate and peaceful human rights activities, they are prosecuted under broadly defined offences such as “separatism”, “subversion”, “disturbing public order” and “stealing state secrets”.

The blind legal advisor Chen Guangcheng, who was assisting villagers in a lawsuit against authorities that imposed forced sterilizations and abortions, was charged with “damaging public property and gathering people to block traffic”. Chen’s wife and defence lawyers were prevented from attending his trial. Represented by two court-appointed lawyers, Chen was found guilty and sentenced to four years and three months in prison, which he is now serving.

“Chen’s own defence lawyers were prevented from attending … the trial was completed the same day.”

Journalists and lawyers are often targeted when scrutinizing and exposing abuses of power or tackling obstacles blocking access to justice. Their roles are recognized the world over as fundamental in securing human rights in practice.