Dear Petitioners,

Thank you for your emails to High Representative Borrell, drawing his attention to the public protests in Dêgê County of Sichuan Province in the People’s Republic of China.

As you know, the EU has persistently expressed concerns about the very serious human rights situation in China. Among other issues, the EU remains particularly concerned about mass arbitrary detentions, unlawful detention, torture and ill-treatment, and systemic and severe restrictions on the exercise of fundamental freedoms - including the freedom of religion or belief and the right to peaceful assembly and association.

With these concerns in mind, the EU is systematically urging China, bilaterally and in appropriate multilateral fora, to abide by its obligations under national law (including its own Constitution) and international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights for all, including Tibetans and persons belonging to ethnic, religious, linguistic and other groups across China.

Please be reassured that the European External Action Service, through the European Union’s Delegation to the People’s Republic of China, is following the developments in Dêgê County. We will, as appropriate, communicate our views on the situation to the Chinese authorities.

Yours Sincerely.