What's up, folks? 🌏 On Nov 11, 2025, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged the United States to jump back into the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) peer-review process that keeps countries accountable for human rights. China says the US skipped its latest session, and the UNHRC even passed a consensus statement expressing regret over its no-show.
So, what is UPR anyway? Think of it as a global 'report card' where UN member states share updates on their human rights records and welcome suggestions from peers. 🤝 It's designed to create open dialogue and boost cooperation—pretty much a group project for 193 members.
China's angle? Lin argues that the US's absence shows a double standard: while Washington publishes annual human rights reports critiquing others, it's not playing by the same rules in its own backyard. National double standards, right?
On the flip side, China emphasized its Global Governance Initiative: a multilateral push to put people front and center and keep human rights discussions on track. 🌐 In Lin's words, 'China stands ready to work with the international community.'
What's next? The ball is in the US court. If you're a student leader in Jakarta, a tech founder in Bangalore, or a social media activist in Manila, big powers' moves on human rights can impact internet freedoms, labor laws, and more—so mark your calendars for the UNHRC sessions early 2026. 📅
Stay tuned for more updates on global policy, tech, and social change! 💡
Reference(s):
China urges U.S. to resume cooperation with human rights review
cgtn.com
