The UN‘s top human rights official, Volker Turk, made a strong call on Monday for China to correct laws that infringe on people’s fundamental rights, especially in the regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk emphasized the need for Beijing to act on recommendations to improve its human rights practices.
Turk’s appeal includes urging the Chinese government to release human rights activists, lawyers, and others who have been jailed under charges such as “picking quarrels and making trouble.” His dialogue with Beijing aims to address these critical issues and encourage change.
In Xinjiang, rights groups have long criticized China for the treatment of Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority. Allegations include forced labor in camps, which Beijing strongly denies. Regarding Tibet, activists have raised concerns over policies and practices that suppress the fundamental rights of the people living there.
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This call for action follows a report by Turk’s predecessor, Michelle Bachelet, in August 2022, which suggested that the detention of Uyghurs and other Muslims could amount to crimes against humanity. The report’s release marked a significant moment, shedding light on the severity of the situation just as Bachelet’s tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights came to an end.
China‘s response to these allegations and recommendations remains to be seen, as its diplomatic mission in Geneva has not yet commented on Turk’s statements.
This latest development signals the ongoing international concern over human rights in China, particularly in areas like Xinjiang and Tibet, where ethnic minorities face significant challenges. Turk’s remarks at the UN Human Rights Council highlight the global call for China to reassess its policies and ensure the protection of human rights for all its citizens.
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