The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) expresses serious concern over the recent adoption of the “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” by the People’s Republic of China. The legislation establishes a national framework aimed at strengthening state-led integration policies across regions inhabited by ethnic minority peoples.
The law sets out a comprehensive approach to promoting what authorities define as “ethnic unity”, including provisions on language use, education, cultural policy, and governance. Measures include the expanded use of Mandarin Chinese in education and public life, increased emphasis on ideological instruction, and the closer alignment of minority regions with central state governance structures. By embedding these approaches within a formal legal framework, the law seeks to standardise governance, education, and social practices across diverse communities.
UNPO is concerned that this model of “unity” may come at the expense of cultural and linguistic diversity. Policies centred on standardisation, particularly in language and education, risk limiting the ability of minority communities to preserve and develop their own identities. The formalisation of such measures in law may further reduce the space for communities to transmit their languages, traditions, and cultural practices across generations.
These concerns extend broadly across regions inhabited by non-Han peoples. Existing policies affecting language use, education, and cultural expression have already had a significant impact on many communities such as Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians. The adoption of this law risks consolidating and expanding these approaches, with potentially far-reaching consequences for minority peoples.
The protection of cultural and linguistic identity lies at the core of UNPO’s mandate. UNPO works to support Indigenous peoples, minorities, and unrepresented peoples and nations in safeguarding their identities, preserving their heritage, and ensuring their rights are respected. International human rights standards affirm that these communities have the right to enjoy their own culture, use their own language, and participate fully in public life without discrimination.
Respect for diversity is essential to inclusive and stable societies. When communities are able to maintain and express their distinct identities, it strengthens social cohesion, fosters mutual respect, and supports long-term stability. It also allows different groups to participate in public life with confidence and dignity. Conversely, policies that diminish this diversity risk deepening marginalisation, limiting participation, and contributing to the erosion of cultural heritage.
In this context, UNPO calls for close international attention to the implementation and impact of the “Ethnic Unity” Law. UNPO urges the Chinese authorities to ensure that all policies fully respect the rights of minority peoples, including their rights to cultural expression, linguistic preservation, and meaningful participation in public life.
