Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, and condemning the widespread repression against citizens, the transnational repression against activists and other individuals, and the systematic efforts to undermine human rights norms within and outside of the United Nations system by the People's Republic of China.

International Affairs

senate

Introduced on June 3, 2024 by Benjamin Louis Cardin

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

Remembers the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre.
Condemns the People’s Republic of China for:
- Widespread repression against citizens.
- Transnational repression against activists and others.
- Systematic efforts to undermine human rights norms within and outside of the United Nations system.
Highlights the Chinese government’s efforts to erase the memory of the Tiananmen Square Massacre and persecute those who speak out.
Notes the end of annual Tiananmen Square vigil traditions in Hong Kong due to police denial and politically motivated charges against organizers.
Expresses concern over ongoing human rights abuses and violations in China, including:
- Crackdown on freedom of expression and the press.
- Surveillance, harassment, and imprisonment of human rights defenders, lawyers, scholars, journalists, and religious and ethnic minorities.
- Systematic abuses against Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic and religious groups in Xinjiang.
- Repression against the Tibetan community.
- Abrogation of international commitments regarding Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Acknowledges the Chinese people’s efforts to advocate for human rights and the brutal suppression they face.
Criticizes the Chinese government’s campaign of transnational repression and efforts to reshape international institutions and norms.
Calls on the Chinese government to:
- Cease censoring information about the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
- Allow for a full investigation into the events of June 4, 1989.
- Stop harassing and imprisoning those who seek to expose the truth of the massacre.
- End human rights abuses against its citizens and ethnic and religious groups.
- Reverse policies in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong that violate human rights.
- End transnational repression and coercion in international fora.
Urges the U.S. Government to:
- Honor the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
- Meet with participants and families of the massacre victims.
- Seek the release of political prisoners in China and Hong Kong.
- Hold Chinese officials accountable for human rights abuses.
- Use its influence at the United Nations to discuss China’s human rights record.
- Support the Chinese people’s right to exercise their human rights.

Last updated 10/7/2024