In his inaugural address, U.S. President John Kennedy characterized Americans as "unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which [. . .] we are committed today at home and around the world". His description accurately expresses the attitude of not only America, but the world. Ever since 1948, when the United Nations passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it has officially committed itself to the promotion of human and civil rights throughout the planet. Yet, even today, its mission has only been partially accomplished. Many cite poverty as a leading cause of poor human rights in China. The current economic situation of China affects human rights by supporting the Communist Government, by creating an exploitable peasantry, and by initiating foreign examination of its practices.
Many accuse the communist government of not promoting human rights among its people. Human rights abuses by the government remained numerous throughout recent years (U.S. Bureau). One area criticized by the international community, is China's legal system. The politically influenced court is accused of being harsh to defendants (Human Rights Watch). Legal council is allowed with the permission of the court after the defendant is drilled by investigators (Magnier). Due to legal fees, most cannot afford the high price of lawyers (Magnier). Lawyers' actions are restricted by the courts (Magnier). Any lawyer that embarrasses the government or defends his client to well is subject to arrest (Magnier). Investigation and gathering of evidence have a reputation of being faulty (Magnier). Defendants are commonly sentenced to prison or death after just hours of trial (Magnier). Although reported executions number approximately two-thousand per year, Amnesty International estimates there are about ten-thousand (Magnier).
The government is also criticized because of the lack of political freedom in China. Throughout the nation, police break up...