A new guide published by human rights organization Safeguard Defenders aims to help families and friends of foreigners detained in China navigate the country’s opaque legal system. The guide, titled Missing in China: A Guide for Families of Detainees, provides practical steps on what to do when a loved one is arrested or goes missing in China, highlighting the risks of arbitrary detention, forced confessions, and lack of consular access.
Foreign nationals—including businesspeople, academics, and even tourists—have been detained in China under broad national security laws, sometimes as a means of political leverage. The guide details how China’s legal system differs from international norms and offers strategies to ensure detainees’ rights are protected.
Safeguard Defenders urges those traveling to or doing business in China to be aware of these risks and recommends that organizations and individuals download and share the guide to spread awareness. The resource is available on their website and serves as an essential tool for those who may find themselves or their loved ones facing detention in China.
To access the guide, visit Safeguard Defenders.
