The United Nations says China has violated human rights

Volker Türk, Head of the United Nations Human Rights Department, on Monday (4), called on China to implement recommendations on changing laws that currently violate fundamental rights. The focus is in particular on the regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, where such violations are most reported.

Accusations against Beijing

Human rights groups have accused Beijing of committing widespread violations. The biggest victim will be the Uyghurs, a mostly Muslim ethnic minority. It is estimated that about 10 million people belong to this group in the western Xinjiang region. Among the violations reported were the massive use of forced labor in the camps. But the Chinese authorities deny all accusations.

Request to the Chinese government

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk appealed to the Chinese government. “I also call on the government to implement the recommendations made by my office and other human rights bodies regarding laws, policies and practices that violate fundamental rights, including in the Xinjiang and Tibet regions,” he added. The Chinese diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tibet is under Chinese control

In 1950, China took control of Tibet. The Chinese government describes this measure as “peaceful liberation” from feudal slavery. However, international human rights bodies and exiles condemn what they describe as the oppressive Chinese regime in Tibetan areas.

Demanding the release of human rights defenders

Türk, whose office is conducting a “dialogue” with Beijing, also called for the release of human rights defenders. This includes lawyers and others who have been arrested on charges of “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble.”

In August 2022, Michelle Bachelet, then the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a report concluding that China's detention of Uyghurs and other Muslims may constitute crimes against humanity.