Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the situation for women and girls in China, particularly for those belonging to national, ethnic or religious minority groups; and what representations they have made on the issue to the government of China and relevant bodies of the United Nations.

We are aware of reports of human rights violations against women in China, particularly against ethnic and religious minorities. We will continue to press the Chinese authorities to uphold their human rights obligations. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary raised the human rights situation in Xinjiang at a meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on 5 May 2023. Ending gender-based violence is a key priority for the FCDO, as reflected in the UK's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and is one of the three pillars in the new International Women and Girls Strategy.