GENEVA: A UN human rights panel said on Friday that it had received many credible reports that one million ethnic Uighurs in China are held in what resembles a “massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy”.
Gay McDougall, a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, cited estimates that another two million Uighurs and Muslim minorities are forced into so-called “political camps for indoctrination”.
She was addressing the start of a two-day regular examination of the record of China, including Hong Kong and Macao.
A Chinese delegation of some 50 officials made no immediate comment on her remarks at the Geneva session that continues on Monday.
The UN anti-discrimination committee signalled concern over China’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority as it considers Beijing’s record over recent years.
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination started reviewing China’s report on Friday. Chinese delegation leader Yu Jianhua highlighted economic progress and rising living standards among other things.
Committee vice-chairwoman Gay McDougall said members are “deeply concerned” by numerous reports “that, in the name of combating religious extremism and maintaining social stability, (China) has turned the Uighur autonomous region into something that resembles a massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy.” Monitoring groups say the Uighurs have been targeted in a surveillance and security campaign that has sent thousands into detention and indoctrination centres.
The Geneva-based committee continues its hearing, with conclusions expected later.
Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2018
Comments (7) Closed
Must be true !!
Every thing is fare in China since there's no opposition. No one can protests and due to might no body other country Will speak even Pakistan
I can't believe this about the iron brother.
OIC must send a protest note for this inhuman behavior of the Chinese government.
If this report is true, the Chinese government has a lot of explanation to do before the world. Siding with them does not mean that we should abandon the Muslims living there. Their life and property protection should be discussed by our new upcoming government and assurances obtained for a fair deal to them.
Dr. Salaria any comments?
China is mistreating its Muslim citizens, is not news. Human Rights Organisation is a western tool which is used by their governments to browbeat other nations, especially Muslim ones. This “charity” is constantly in the news. The mistreatment of Muslims in the West, Kashmir, Palestine, Myanmar, and many others seldom are mentioned.