“We are seeing a very worrying pattern in China that has serious implications for civil society and the important work they do across the country. Civil society actors, from lawyers and journalists to NGO workers, have the right to carry out their work, and it is the State’s duty to support and protect them,” Hussein said.

The ITUC has lodged a Freedom of Association complaint at the International Labour Organization over the detention of the labour rights defenders.

ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow said, “China should release those who have been detained simply for standing up for the rights of Chinese workers, and allow legitimate non-governmental organisations seeking to help workers to do their work unhindered. China has responsibilities under international law, and it must acknowledge and respect those responsibilities. We welcome the support shown by the UN High Commissioner.”