UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has issued a strong plea to the Chinese government, urging immediate action to uphold the rights of detained human rights defenders. Speaking on Monday, Lawlor expressed deep concern over reports that seven activists in Chinese custody have been subjected to torture, denied necessary medical care, and isolated from family and legal advisors.

A particular case that has drawn international attention is that of Gao Zhisheng, a renowned human rights lawyer who has been missing since 2017. Lawlor described the Chinese government's silence on Gao's status as "totally unacceptable," emphasizing the gravity of enforced disappearances, which could potentially be classified as crimes against humanity under international law, such as defined by the Rome Statute.

Despite not being a party to the Rome Statute, China has ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The International Law Commission affirms that the prohibition of torture is a jus cogens norm, an overriding principle of international law from which no deviation is permitted under any circumstances.

Lawlor's statement also highlighted the obligations under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which guarantee the right to medical care and legal representation. These international standards are reinforced by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, underscoring the right to a fair trial and access to a lawyer.

The UN Special Rapporteur has called on the Chinese authorities not only to ensure that these imprisoned defenders receive adequate medical attention and legal consultation but also that they are detained in recognized facilities. Furthermore, she insisted that information regarding their fate and whereabouts must be disclosed to those with legitimate interest to know.

This appeal is part of a broader international plea for transparency, humane treatment, and adherence to international legal standards concerning human rights defenders across the globe. The international community watches closely, awaiting China's response to these pressing human rights concerns.