Human Rights Violations in China - Should Western Companies Continue to Do Business with China?
The United Nations office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (2010) claims that everyone is equally entitled to human rights without discrimination. In the western society, the principles of freedom, democracy and human rights are fundamental rights. However, the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as China, is still known as the largest human rights violator in the world. This raises the question whether or not western companies should continue doing business in China despite of the human rights violations. To find an answer to this question, the human rights violations and the values of the Chinese population will be analysed. Furthermore, the impact of these violations on the business world will be discussed.
Human rights violations in China
China is one of the last five communist states in the world. The People’s Republic of China is led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). They implement heavy restrictions in many human rights areas. The Chinese constitution foresees fundamental rights for all Chinese citizens such as, the freedom of speech, press, religion, etc. However, in reality these fundamental rights are not granted to the Chinese citizens. The human rights violations in china include the lack of political and religious freedom, the censorship of media, the one-child policy, the social status of the Tibetans and the capital punishment. China has made a large evolution in human rights over the past few years, however, severe violations still take place. Although the freedom of religion is stated as a fundamental right in the Chinese constitution, it is restricted. Members of the Communist Party of China are required to be atheist. Violation of this rule can limit their economic prospects. The Chinese government is very intolerant against dissent towards the government. Censorship of media silences any criticism towards the government and members of political rights movements risk being arrested. In 1979, China implemented a one-child
Human rights violations in China
China is one of the last five communist states in the world. The People’s Republic of China is led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). They implement heavy restrictions in many human rights areas. The Chinese constitution foresees fundamental rights for all Chinese citizens such as, the freedom of speech, press, religion, etc. However, in reality these fundamental rights are not granted to the Chinese citizens. The human rights violations in china include the lack of political and religious freedom, the censorship of media, the one-child policy, the social status of the Tibetans and the capital punishment. China has made a large evolution in human rights over the past few years, however, severe violations still take place. Although the freedom of religion is stated as a fundamental right in the Chinese constitution, it is restricted. Members of the Communist Party of China are required to be atheist. Violation of this rule can limit their economic prospects. The Chinese government is very intolerant against dissent towards the government. Censorship of media silences any criticism towards the government and members of political rights movements risk being arrested. In 1979, China implemented a one-child
References: Amnesty International (2010). Google challenges China to end censorship. Retrieved, March 28, 2010 from http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/google-challenges-china-end-censorship-2010-03-23 Amnesty International (2009) Breslin, S. & Taylor, I. (2008). Explaining the rise of ‘Human Rights’ in Analyses of Sino-African Relations. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/283/1/ WRAP_Breslin_roape-china-2.pdf Confucius (n.d.). Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/confucius382405. html Datamonitor (March 2010) People’s Daily (June 27, 2005). Building harmonious society crucial for China’s Progress: Hu. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200506/27/ eng20050627_192495.html Svensson, M. (2002). Debating human rights in China. Retrieved from Google books United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (2010)