UN envoy cautious on China rights

from BBC News
The United Nation's human rights chief, Louise Arbour, has said she is "guardedly optimistic" that China is making progress on human rights.

But she questioned Beijing's widespread use of the death penalty, warning that some of those being executed might be victims of discrimination.

Ms Arbour was speaking at the end of a five day visit to Beijing.

During her trip an agreement was signed to bring China closer to ratifying a covenant on civil and political rights.

She also raised a number of cases of specific concern to the UN - including cases of detained journalists, labour activists and ethnic minorities - as well as highlighting treatment of Tibetans and the Muslim Uighur minority in the restive region of Xinjiang.

>> Read the complete article