China rebuked at UN over Uighur detention
Al JazeeraOver 20 countries urge China to halt detention but fears of potential backlash prevented a formal statement. More than 20 countries have called on China to halt its mass detention of ethnic minority Uighurs in the country’s Xinjiang region in the first such joint move on the issue at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, according to diplomats and a letter seen by Reuters news agency. “The idea of a resolution was never on the cards.” Another envoy said: “It’s a formal step because it will be published as an official document of the Council … it is a signal.” ‘Large-scale places of detention’ The letter voices concern at reports of unlawful detention in “large-scale places of detention, as well as widespread surveillance and restrictions, particularly targeting Uighurs and other minorities in Xinjiang”. “We call on China to uphold its national laws and international obligations and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief in Xinjiang and across China,” the letter said. “We also call on China to refrain from the arbitrary detention and restrictions on freedom of movement of Uighurs, and other Muslim and minority communities in Xinjiang.” 190130011449217 The letter urges China to allow international independent experts, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, “meaningful access” to Xinjiang.