United Nations (UN) officials rebutted criticisms on Friday that they had not taken sufficient action regarding reports of serious human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region.
This came a day after leading rights groups urged UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk to take stronger measures following a 2022 report by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, which documented alleged “crimes against humanity” against Muslim minorities, including Uyghurs.
The groups expressed concern over the UN’s handling of the situation, emphasising the need for continued public reporting and action to address atrocities detailed in the report, which China has dismissed.
Meanwhile on Friday, the Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the International Service for Human Rights, and the World Uyghur Congress jointly urged for action, expressing concern that the lack of public reporting by the high commissioner following up on the documented atrocities could erode trust in his office among victims and survivors.
Responding to these concerns, a spokesperson for the UN’s rights office acknowledged the gravity of the situation in Xinjiang.
Issues included reports of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and discrimination based on religion and ethnicity faced by the Uyghur community.
However, Liz Throssell clarified that the UNHCHR was actively engaging with China on various human rights issues, including those highlighted in Bachelet’s report.
During recent discussions, UN officials raised concerns over national security and counterterrorism measures, family separations, and the lack of transparency regarding missing persons.
Bachelet’s report had detailed allegations of abuses against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, such as forced sterilisations, mass detentions, and enforced labour practices.
China contends that its policies in Xinjiang, including the establishment of what it terms “vocational training centres”, are necessary to combat extremism and enhance education.
While several countries, including the United States, have condemned these measures as constituting “genocide”, Beijing maintains its approach is vital for maintaining stability.