Destination Risk Register

The People's Republic of China is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist Party is the paramount authority. Communist Party members hold almost all top government and security apparatus positions. The ultimate authority rests with the Communist Party Central Committee's 25-member Political Bureau (Politburo) and its seven-member Standing Committee. The three most powerful positions are vested in one person, party general secretary, state president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Government officials and the security services often committed human rights abuses with impunity. Authorities often announce investigations following cases of reported killings by police but did not announce results or findings of police malfeasance or disciplinary action. Enforcement of laws on corruption was inconsistent and not transparent, and corruption was rampant.

The overall score indicates that severe violations of human rights happen in this country. Compliance with human rights standards cannot be assumed. Very high caution should be exercised. Relevant risks for the tourism sector are, e.g.:

• Trafficking in persons, incl. forced labor
• Threat of violence against members of national, racial, and ethnic minority groups
• Severe restrictions on labor rights, incl. a ban on workers organizing or joining unions