China responsible for ‘serious human rights violations’ in Xinjiang province: UN human rights report |
The report released Wednesday following a visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in May, said that “allegations of various forms of torture or ill-treatment, including medical treatment coercion and adverse detention conditions, are credible, as are allegations of isolated incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. “
In the powerful review section at the end of the report, OHCHR states that the extent of arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and others, in the context of “restrictions and deprivations more generally than basic rights, enjoyed individually and collectively, may constitute an international crime, especially a crime against humanity. “
‘Strict review’
The United Nations rights office said Wednesday’s report was “based rigorous review of materials is currently available to the Bureau, with its reliability evaluated according to the standard human rights methodology.
“Particular attention is paid to laws, policies, data and Government statements. The office also requested information and participation in dialogue and technical exchanges with China throughout the process.“
Published on the last day of Ms Bachelet’s four-year term in office, the report says the violations took place amid Chinese government assertions that it is targeting minority terrorists. Uighurs’ counter-extremism strategy involves the use of so-called Vocational Education and Training Centers (VETC), or re-education camps.
‘Interlocking templates’
OHCHR said the government’s policy in recent years in Xinjiang has “leads to intertwined patterns of severe and excessive restrictions on a wide range of human rights. “
The OHCHR said that even if the VETC system is, as China says, “reduced in scope or severed,” “the laws and policies that underpin it will still be maintained,” leading to its use. imprisonment is increasing.
The OHCHR said the system of arbitrary detention and related abuses since 2017, “goes against the backdrop of broader discrimination” against Uyghurs and other minorities.
Violation of international law
“This included far-reaching, arbitrary and discriminatory restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, in violation of international law and standardsincluding restrictions on freedom of religion and the right to privacy and travel.
Furthermore, the report says that the Chinese Government’s policies in the region have “crossed borders”, divided families, “severed” ties, created “patterns of threats and threat” to the larger Uyghur communities, who spoke out about conditions back home.
The OHCHR said that the Chinese government “has the main task of ensure that all laws and policies are made in compliance with international human rights law and promptly investigate all allegations of human rights violations, to ensure accountability for perpetrators and to provide remedial action for victims. “
Report proposals
Among the recommendations the UN rights office made in the report, was for the Government to implement “Quick steps” to release all arbitrarily imprisoned individuals in XUAR, whether in a camp or any other detention center.
The report said China should let families know the whereabouts of any individuals who have been detained, provide precise locations and help establish “secure communication channels” and allow families to regroup. capacitor.
The report calls on China to make a full legal review of national security and counter-terrorism policies in XUAR, “to ensure they fully comply with binding international human rights law” and to repeal any law that is inconsistent with international standards.
It also calls for a prompt Government investigation into allegations of human rights abuses in camps and other detention facilities,”including allegations of torture, sexual violence, ill-treatment, forced medical treatment, as well as forced labor and reports of deaths in custody. “
China’s rebuttal
In one long and detailed answer published alongside the tough report, the Chinese government concluded that the authorities in the Xinjiang region operate on the principle that all people are equal before the law “and allege that their policies” are based on discrimination” is baseless. “
China says its counter-terrorism and “anti-radicalization efforts” in the region, have been conducted under the “rule of law” and by no means in addition to “the oppression of minorities”. “
On the issue of the camps, Beijing replied that the VETC was “learning institutions established by law for the purpose of de-radicalization” and not “concentration camps”“.
No ‘major rights violations’
“The legitimate rights and interests of workers of all ethnicities in Xinjiang are protected and there is no such thing as ‘forced labor’,” the Chinese statement said, adding that no there was a “major violation of rights”.
The statement called on the international community to “see clearly the truth” about the anti-terrorist campaign in the region and “see through the clumsy performances and malicious motives of anti-China forces in the US and the West”. who try to use Xinjiang to contain China”.
Instead, it calls on the United Nations and other international organizations, investigates “the human rights disasters caused and the many crimes committed by the United States and a number of other Western countries, both at home and abroad.. “
Bachelet’s May Quest
The human rights director performed his duties in May, at the invitation of the Chinese Government, and visited XUAR to review the situation there.
During her assignment, Ms. Bachelet spoke to a wide range of government officials, several civil society organisations, academics and community and religious leaders. In addition, she met with several organizations online before the visit, on issues related to Xinjiang province, Tibet, Hong Kong and other parts of China.
At the end of the visit, while expressing concern about issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, human rights and labor rights defenders, she praised China’s “great achievements”. country in eradicating hunger and reducing poverty, 10 years ahead of the target. day.
Ms. Bachelet welcomed a number of other developments in the country, including legislation that improves the protection of women’s rights, and the activities NGOs are doing to promote the rights of LGBTI people and people with disabilities. and the elderly.
The UN rights chief stressed China’s important role, at the regional and multilateral levels, and noted that all the people she met during her visit, from officials Governments, civil society, academics, diplomats and others, all showed sincere goodwill. progress in the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
