China-backed NGOs accused of undermining U.N. human rights work in Geneva

Investigation reveals how China-linked groups influence U.N. sessions to silence criticism on Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet.

A view of the United Nations Human Rights Council during the review of China's rights record at the UN offices in Geneva on January 23, 2024. Photo by Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Each year, hundreds of human rights organizations converge on the United Nations' offices in Geneva, determined to advocate for the world's most vulnerable — from victims of war and famine to those imprisoned or tortured unjustly. However, an investigation has found that many groups present at these sessions are not what they seem. China-backed NGOs accused of undermining U.N. human rights work are now drawing sharp scrutiny.

According to a joint investigation by The Washington Post, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), and other media partners, dozens of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) active in Geneva maintain hidden ties to the Chinese government. Their presence is part of an expansive effort to subvert and manipulate the work of the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Beijing-linked groups drown out independent voices at U.N.

The investigation reveals that Chinese government-backed groups crowd into U.N. human rights meetings to present glowing, state-approved narratives of life in China, sharply contrasting credible reports of abuses. Interviews and public record reviews show that these delegates aim to disrupt, drown out, or even intimidate legitimate NGOs that report on critical issues such as the detention of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, the forced separation of Tibetan children, and the suppression of democracy advocates in Hong Kong.

Members of NGOs described harassment tactics within U.N. premises, including being photographed and followed by Beijing-aligned delegates. Several U.S. officials and Western diplomats confirmed that intimidation efforts have escalated.

A growing threat to U.N. integrity

Michèle Taylor, who served as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council from 2022 until early 2025, voiced strong concerns about the trend. Taylor criticized the behavior of China-backed NGOs accused of undermining U.N. human rights work, calling it “corrosive, dishonest, and subversive.” She warned that these organizations, posing as independent NGOs, seek to obscure China’s human rights violations and manipulate international perceptions.

The investigation’s findings are staggering. Of nearly 106 China-affiliated NGOs accredited to the U.N., at least 59 effectively operate under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or Chinese government agencies. Many openly pledge loyalty to the CCP, defer critical decisions to party officials, and rely heavily on government funding, according to the NGOs’ own documents and public records.

Beijing’s quiet but aggressive expansion strategy

This effort by China to infiltrate the U.N. human rights system is systematic and strategic. After U.N. reports in 2018 highlighted mass detentions and abuses in Xinjiang, Chinese authorities accelerated a push to dominate Geneva's human rights discussions. New Chinese NGOs seeking U.N. status almost doubled since 2018.

In many cases, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized seminars and provided guidance to help domestic organizations achieve accreditation. Chinese President Xi Jinping personally backed this effort, encouraging NGOs to "go global" and protect China’s international image.

The ultimate aim, experts suggest, is broader than just silencing criticism. China is working to shift the U.N.’s fundamental human rights narrative away from individual freedoms toward a "societal good" model favored by Beijing. Terms like “win-win cooperation” and “shared future,” seemingly benign, are inserted into U.N. resolutions to subtly redefine rights discourse.

Harassment of activists and manipulation of U.N. sessions

Several human rights activists working on Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet issues reported being watched, filmed, or followed at U.N. events. Some even faced threats, raising alarm over the safety and freedom of civil society advocates at Geneva.

Zumretay Arkin, vice president of the World Uyghur Congress, expressed frustration that Geneva — historically a haven for advocacy — has become a hostile environment. "The U.N. is one of the few platforms where we can speak out," Arkin said. "But now it feels like these governments are bringing their repression into the building."

The intimidation extends beyond individuals. NGO representatives detailed cases where Chinese delegates attempted to drown out testimony by interrupting sessions, challenging speakers, and even organizing rival events that dominate attention with pro-China rhetoric.

UN’s limited response under pressure

Despite clear signs of state influence, the U.N. has so far stopped short of revoking accreditations. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, acknowledged recurring communications with Beijing over these concerns. However, she warned that distinguishing between “authentic” and “non-authentic” NGOs could itself become politicized.

Similarly, Matthew Brown of the Human Rights Council stated the organization does its best to prevent intimidation but faces limitations.

China’s increasing influence within the U.N. system cannot be ignored. As one of five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and a major financial contributor, Beijing holds significant leverage over institutional responses.

China denies accusations, blames the West

In response to the allegations that China-backed NGOs are accused of undermining U.N. human rights work, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, issued a written denial. Liu accused Western nations of weaponizing human rights against China and defended Beijing’s record on poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare.

Chinese-affiliated NGOs continue to portray China in a favorable light without exception. Analysis by the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) shows that in the past year, 33 Chinese NGOs collectively participated in nearly 300 Human Rights Council events. None voiced criticisms of Chinese policies.

When other NGOs criticized Beijing for human rights abuses, Beijing-aligned speakers often aggressively challenged them, accusing them of spreading lies and deflecting attention to issues in Western countries.

A broader strategy to reshape global human rights dialogue

Western diplomats and human rights experts argue that China's actions are not simply defensive but part of an expansive strategy to rewrite international norms. The goal, they say, is to erode long-standing commitments to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Rana Siu Inboden, a senior fellow at the University of Texas at Austin, said China is systematically using NGOs to further its agenda. "These organizations are trained, guided, and deployed to serve the Chinese government's interests at the U.N.," Inboden noted.

In this new reality, Geneva’s halls — once a bastion of free expression and advocacy — are increasingly becoming battlegrounds where authoritarian influence shapes the future of global human rights.