The Beijing Olympics and the Faces of Repression

The XXIV Olympic Winter Games and the XIII Paralympic Winter Games will be held in Beijing, China from February 4-20 and March 4-13, respectively. The Chinese government and Chinese Communist Party attempt to use the glitz and glamor of the Olympics to showcase a façade that distracts global attention from egregious human rights abuses in China.

These efforts generate many questions that the CECC explored throughout 2021 regarding the policies of the International Olympic Committee, the nexus between major sporting events and human rights, and the responsibilities of governments, sporting bodies, corporate sponsors, broadcasters, and others affiliated with these Olympic Games.

On the eve of the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the CECC will hold a hearing to give a platform to voices working on behalf of the abused and repressed in China, including civil society, human rights defenders, the people of Hong Kong, Uyghurs, and Tibetans. These voices will spotlight political and religious prisoners so the world may hear their stories.

The hearing can be viewed on the CECC’s YouTube Channel.