Human Rights in China is a New York–based international, non-governmental organization focused on human rights in China.[1] [2] It is a member organization of the International Federation for Human Rights.[3] According to Fang Lizhi, HRIC is committed to an independent, non-political, and intelligent approach.[4]
Founded in March 1989 by Chinese students and scholars, HRIC implements programs aimed at generating infrastructural change in China while also engaging in advocacy strategies on behalf of individuals living in China.[5] [6]
With offices in Hong Kong and New York City,[7] HRIC serves as a source of analysis and information on the human rights situation in China, and advocates in the international arena. In 2005, HRIC was recognized by The Tech Museum of Innovation as one of twenty-five Tech Award Laureates for its use of technology.[8]
HRIC's Executive Director is Zhou Fengsuo (2023–present). Its former executive directors are Sharon Hom (2002–2023) and Xiao Qiang (1991–2002).
HRIC undertakes individual advocacy and systemic and policy interventions addressing human rights, technology, and legal and administrative reform issues. HRIC's core programs and reports address human rights violations affecting China's rural population,[9] migrant workers,[10] ethnic minorities,[11] women,[12] and children.[13]
HRIC's domestic work includes providing support for legal representation and assistance to activists in China.[14] HRIC works with domestic Chinese groups and calls upon the Chinese government to reassess the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre.[15]
HRIC supports domestic groups such as the Tiananmen Mothers, connecting Chinese calls for redress to international debates such as lifting the European Union arms embargo on China. HRIC's online June 4 Archive[16] documents the history of the 1989 Tiananmen democracy movement. HRIC also maintains Fill the Square,[17] an online petition related to the Tiananmen Mothers' demands.
HRIC contributes to multilateral and bilateral human rights policy discussions. HRIC provides briefings and reports to United Nations bodies, international conferences, WTO processes, and the EU-China Dialogue. As of 2006, HRIC submitted over 40 cases of alleged human rights abuses to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; 13 of these cases resulted in decisions, all of which deemed the detentions arbitrary.[18]
HRIC addresses the relationship between corporate social responsibility, trade, and human rights through reports and presentations. HRIC has outlined a best practices matrix for IT companies doing business in China[19] related to information communication technology (ICT), surveillance and security.
HRIC's online advocacy project supports Chinese citizens' activism and promotes the free flow of information in China using proxy server technology and a biweekly e-newsletter.[20] The project includes six websites with online Chinese publications and advocacy resources.
China Rights Forum is HRIC's bilingual semiannual journal. Since 1990, it has covered China's human rights developments. Articles are available online.
China Human Rights Biweekly (Chinese: 中国人权双周刊) is a Chinese-language biweekly journal.
Daily News Brief is HRIC's daily news roundup.
HRIC publishes reports and briefings on various human rights issues.[21]
HRIC is funded by private foundations and individuals. It has received support from groups including the National Endowment for Democracy, Open Society Institute, the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, the European Human Rights Foundation, Human Rights Watch, and Asia Watch.[22] [23] In 2006, the New York University School of Law established the Robert L. Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights, which supports a fellowship with HRIC.[24]