International human rights experts, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN Special Procedures, have expressed concern that the law may entrench assimilationist policies, restrict education in local languages and increase the risk of surveillance and repression of peaceful cultural and religious practices. It also contains provisions with extraterritorial reach, raising concerns that China could use the law to target activists, organisations and diaspora communities abroad. In response, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for the law’s repeal, warning that it threatens fundamental rights and could have serious implications for EU–China relations, while also urging the EU and its Member States to take measures to protect individuals in Europe who may be affected and to consider targeted sanctions against those involved in its drafting and implementation.

We are calling on European parliamentarians and governments to take a clear and coordinated position in response to China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. This includes publicly condemning the law, supporting its repeal, and addressing its human rights implications through national and EU-level initiatives. A central demand is the establishment of an EU Special Representative for Tibet to ensure sustained and coordinated European engagement on Tibet policy. We also urge the European Union to strengthen protection mechanisms for individuals and communities in Europe who may be affected by the law’s extraterritorial provisions, and to consider appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions where relevant, against those responsible for its drafting and implementation.