January 26, 2024
A surveillance camera is silhouetted behind a Chinese national flag in Beijing, China, November 3, 2022. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
Cited article by Reuters
HRRC underscores the urgent need for prompt international intervention in addressing the escalating crisis in China, emphasizing the critical imperative for immediate protection for Uyghurs and advocating for greater freedoms in Hong Kong.
News Brief
China faced scrutiny over its human rights record at a U.N. meeting this past Tuesday, marked by Western countries calling for safeguards for Xinjiang Uyghurs and increased freedoms in Hong Kong. Beijing rejected these concerns as being based on falsehoods. The U.N. review in Geneva is the first since a 2022 report by the global body's top rights official suggested that the detention of Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region might constitute crimes against humanity. Despite Beijing's denial of any abuses, Western nations, including the U.S., reiterated accusations of genocide, while some non-Western countries praised China's human rights efforts. China's delegation, led by Ambassador Chen Xu, highlighted progress in poverty reduction, stating that it followed a path of human rights development aligned with China's national conditions.
At the Tuesday session, 163 countries participated, with diverse opinions on China's human rights situation. While many nations commended China's efforts, particularly Ethiopia and Cameroon, some Western countries expressed concerns. The U.S. envoy accused China of ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, emphasizing transnational repression. Calls were made for the repeal of Hong Kong's national security law, seen as stifling dissent. In response, Hong Kong's chief secretary praised the law for restoring stability. China's closing comments included a commitment to studying recommendations but criticized those making groundless accusations based on ideological bias. Critics, including Dolkun Isa of the World Uyghur Congress, expressed disappointment, highlighting what they perceived as China's successful disinformation campaign. A protest outside the U.N. building involved Tibetan, Uyghur, and Hong Kong activists and Chinese dissidents.
Reuters