China announced on Sunday that it is implementing countermeasures against two Canadian organizations and 20 individuals linked to human rights concerns regarding the Uyghurs and Tibet. These measures, which came into effect on Saturday, involve asset freezes and entry bans. The targeted entities include the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and the Canada-Tibet Committee, as stated on the website of China's foreign ministry.

Human rights organizations have accused Beijing of extensive violations against the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group of approximately 10 million residing in the Xinjiang region, including the widespread use of forced labor in detention camps. The Chinese government has denied these allegations.

China asserts that it took control of Tibet in 1950 through what it refers to as a "peaceful liberation" from a feudal system. However, international human rights organizations and Tibetan exiles consistently criticize what they describe as China's repressive governance in Tibetan regions.

Regarding the two organizations, China has announced the freezing of their "movable property, immovable property, and other types of property within the territory of China." This includes the assets of 15 individuals associated with the Uyghur organization and five linked to the Tibet committee, all of whom are also prohibited from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

Attempts to reach the Canadian embassy in Beijing were unsuccessful, and Reuters did not receive an immediate reply from the rights groups or Global Affairs Canada.