China: UN Needs to Address Crimes Against Humanity

The Chinese Government’s Crimes Against Humanity in Xinjiang Must be Addressed

Human Rights Watch has emphasized the need for action against the Chinese government’s ongoing crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. The government denies the existence of repression in the region while continuing to commit severe abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims. As the two-year anniversary of the United Nations’ damning report on Xinjiang approaches, the UN high commissioner for human rights and member countries must increase pressure on China to end these violations.

Persistent Denial and Ongoing Abuses

The Chinese government has consistently dismissed calls to halt its repressive actions in Xinjiang, which include mass arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, mass surveillance, cultural and religious persecution, separation of families, forced labor, sexual violence, and violations of reproductive rights. Hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims remain wrongfully imprisoned, with limited or no contact with their families. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones is a constant source of distress.

UN High Commissioner’s Efforts

On August 27, 2024, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, acknowledged the persistence of problematic laws and policies in Xinjiang. He reported that his office continues to press the Chinese authorities to release those held in arbitrary detention and provide information on the missing individuals. Türk expressed hope for tangible progress through engagement with the Chinese government, despite their rejection of the UN’s recommendations.

Call for Action

Human Rights Watch urges UN member states to take action based on the grave conclusions of the UN Human Rights Office report. At the upcoming Human Rights Council session, countries should issue a joint statement requesting an update on Xinjiang and concrete recommendations for holding those responsible accountable. Furthermore, a China-specific inquiry into the widespread abuses throughout the country should be initiated, as recommended by over 50 UN experts and hundreds of rights groups worldwide.

Challenging Impunity

The UN Human Rights Office and governments worldwide must work together to challenge the Chinese government’s impunity. It is crucial for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to emphasize that no government, regardless of its power, can escape accountability for such serious international crimes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life

Source: hrw.org