Condemning China for “severe and systematic” human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 countries signed a statement during a UN debate calling for ''urgent attention'' to the atrocities against the Uyghurs.

"We are gravely concerned about the human rights situation in the People's Republic of China, especially the ongoing human rights violations of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang," read the statement signed by mostly Western countries.

The 50 signatories include the United States, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Turkey, Israel, Guatemala and Somalia.

The condemnation is largely being viewed as a symbolic victory after an earlier attempt to debate on the issue at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was shot down by a majority of the body’s 47 members at China’s insistence.

The need to discuss Uyghurs rights violation came in response to a August report by the UNHRC which claimed that China was committing human rights violations in Xinjiang under the garb of its anti-terrorism and anti-extremism policies.

Watch |&nbsp;Uyghurs Muslim Crisis: 'Major issues go unattended,' US concerned over UNHRC chief's Xinjiang visit

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The signatory countries have urged Beijing to “implement the recommendations of the OHCHR assessment” which include “taking prompt steps to release all individuals arbitrarily deprived of their liberty in Xinjiang, and to urgently clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing family members and facilitate safe contact and reunion.”

“Such severe and systematic violations of human rights cannot be justified on the basis of counter-terrorism. In view of the gravity of the OHCHR assessment, we are concerned that China has so far refused to discuss its findings,” the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Condemning China for “severe and systematic” human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 countries signed a statement during a UN debate calling for ''urgent attention'' to the atrocities against the Uyghurs.

Condemning China for “severe and systematic” human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 countries signed a statement during a UN debate calling for ''urgent attention'' to the atrocities against the Uyghurs. "We are gravely concerned about the human rights situation in the People's Republic of China, especially the ongoing human rights violations of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang," read the statement signed by mostly Western countries. The 50 signatories include the United States, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Turkey, Israel, Guatemala and Somalia. The condemnation is largely being viewed as a symbolic victory after an earlier attempt to debate on the issue at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was shot down by a majority of the body’s 47 members at China’s insistence. The need to discuss Uyghurs rights violation came in response to a August report by the UNHRC which claimed that China was committing human rights violations in Xinjiang under the garb of its anti-terrorism and anti-extremism policies. Watch | Uyghurs Muslim Crisis: 'Major issues go unattended,' US concerned over UNHRC chief's Xinjiang visit The signatory countries have urged Beijing to “implement the recommendations of the OHCHR assessment” which include “taking prompt steps to release all individuals arbitrarily deprived of their liberty in Xinjiang, and to urgently clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing family members and facilitate safe contact and reunion.” “Such severe and systematic violations of human rights cannot be justified on the basis of counter-terrorism. In view of the gravity of the OHCHR assessment, we are concerned that China has so far refused to discuss its findings,” the statement added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

50 countries at UN condemn China for Xinjiang human rights violations

Western leaders are currently discussing whether to table a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for an independent probe into human rights abuses by China in Xinjiang, the Guardian has reported.

A meeting of the Human Rights Council (HRC) started last week in Geneva and will end on October 7.

A lot of options are being considered apart from the draft resolution for an independent inquiry. For example, talks are also on for calling a special session of the HRC to discuss the Xinjiang issue.

However, there is a possibility of the draft being defeated even before it reaches the discussion table, as China has already mobilised its allies.

On Tuesday, the Chinese ambassador in Geneva issued a statement, backed by 30 countries, accusing the UN rights office of acting without a mandate and warning of the exaggeration of “an existing trend to western polarisation and politicisation of human rights”.

Chinese ambassador Chen Xu said that any resolution is condemned to defeat.

The HRC has 47 member states, and according to the Guardian, only eight of the 30 signatories to the Chinese missive are the voting members.

Experts believe that a call for an independent probe may not see the light of the day as around 14 would be backing the draft, while roughly 15 to 18 nations supporting China’s stance.

The latest maneuverer by the Western leaders follows a report published by the outgoing UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, on her last day in office– 31 August – saying that there was clear evidence of crimes against humanity committed by China during its suppression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province.

This is for the first time that the UN came out with such a report making allegations against China.

The report claimed to have found evidence of systemic discrimination, mass arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Western leaders are currently discussing whether to table a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for an independent probe into human rights abuses by China in Xinjiang, the Guardian has reported.

Western leaders are currently discussing whether to table a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for an independent probe into human rights abuses by China in Xinjiang, the Guardian has reported. A meeting of the Human Rights Council (HRC) started last week in Geneva and will end on October 7. A lot of options are being considered apart from the draft resolution for an independent inquiry. For example, talks are also on for calling a special session of the HRC to discuss the Xinjiang issue. However, there is a possibility of the draft being defeated even before it reaches the discussion table, as China has already mobilised its allies. On Tuesday, the Chinese ambassador in Geneva issued a statement, backed by 30 countries, accusing the UN rights office of acting without a mandate and warning of the exaggeration of “an existing trend to western polarisation and politicisation of human rights”. Chinese ambassador Chen Xu said that any resolution is condemned to defeat. The HRC has 47 member states, and according to the Guardian, only eight of the 30 signatories to the Chinese missive are the voting members. Experts believe that a call for an independent probe may not see the light of the day as around 14 would be backing the draft, while roughly 15 to 18 nations supporting China’s stance. The latest maneuverer by the Western leaders follows a report published by the outgoing UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, on her last day in office– 31 August – saying that there was clear evidence of crimes against humanity committed by China during its suppression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province. This is for the first time that the UN came out with such a report making allegations against China. The report claimed to have found evidence of systemic discrimination, mass arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

West mulling to table resolution at UN against China’s abuses in Xinjiang

The United Nations released a major report into serious human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang, saying torture allegations were credible and citing possible crimes against humanity but stopping short of calling it genocide. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Xinjiang: United Nations slams China, Beijing retaliates

Delivering his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden made it clear that the US would not take a back seat in geopolitics while calling out North Korea and Iran for their attempts to develop nuclear weapons, Beijing’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang, the civil war in Ethiopia and abuse of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Making specific references to the human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang province, Biden spoke about fighting against the repression of religious minorities around the world.

“The US will focus its efforts to find ways to advance human dignity around the world, such as good quality infrastructure,” Biden said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-urges-action-on-climate-during-his-address-at-unga-414708">Biden urges action on climate during his address at UNGA</a>

Making references to China and Russia, Biden said, “All the major powers in the world have a duty to carefully manage their relationships so we do not tip... into conflict.”

The US, he said, will “stand up for our allies and friends against those who try to dominate weaker countries.”

“But we are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2021-we-are-not-seeking-a-new-cold-war-us-president-joe-biden-414686">UN General Assembly 2021 | 'We are not seeking a new cold war': US President Joe Biden</a>

“The US is ready to work with any nation that steps up... even if we have intense disagreements in other areas,” he added.

Notably, China’s President Xi Jinping has chosen not to attend the assembly in person, he will instead join virtually.

He also highlighted the American re-engagement with the Paris Accords, with the threat of climate change— a recurring theme of his speech.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delivering his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden made it clear that the US would not take a back seat in geopolitics while calling out North Korea and Iran for their attempts to develop nuclear weapons, Beijing’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang, the civil war in Ethiopia and abuse of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Delivering his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden made it clear that the US would not take a back seat in geopolitics while calling out North Korea and Iran for their attempts to develop nuclear weapons, Beijing’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang, the civil war in Ethiopia and abuse of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Making specific references to the human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang province, Biden spoke about fighting against the repression of religious minorities around the world. “The US will focus its efforts to find ways to advance human dignity around the world, such as good quality infrastructure,” Biden said. Also read | Biden urges action on climate during his address at UNGA Making references to China and Russia, Biden said, “All the major powers in the world have a duty to carefully manage their relationships so we do not tip... into conflict.” The US, he said, will “stand up for our allies and friends against those who try to dominate weaker countries.” “But we are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocks,” he said. Also read | UN General Assembly 2021 | 'We are not seeking a new cold war': US President Joe Biden “The US is ready to work with any nation that steps up... even if we have intense disagreements in other areas,” he added. Notably, China’s President Xi Jinping has chosen not to attend the assembly in person, he will instead join virtually. He also highlighted the American re-engagement with the Paris Accords, with the threat of climate change— a recurring theme of his speech. (With inputs from agencies)

UN General Assembly 2021 | Biden raises Xinjiang human rights abuse issue in maiden speech

United States has imposed new restrictions on the products from China's Xinjiang province. Cotton products which are produced using slave labour in Uighur camps, no longer be imported into the US.

US imposes new restrictions on products from China's Xinjiang province

Lower House of the United States' Congress has passed a new legislation. In which, now firms will require to disclose if their supply chains are linked to Xinjiang, Uighur region in China.

US Lower House passes new legislation, bill require firms to disclose Xinjiang connection

China has been facing rising international criticism over its mass internment of Muslim minorities, and a recent report by researchers at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute bolsters the claims.

A report published in the New York Times on Thursday said the researchers have found that the Xinjiang authorities have been expanding a variety of detention sites since last year.

To this end, Lhadon Tethong, director of Tibet Action Institute, told WION&nbsp;the news was devastating and disturbing, but not surprising.

"Sadly, I am not surprised. The news is obviously devastating and disturbing. But it's not surprising at all," she said, adding, "China has been running a campaign to destroy the minorities. It has been running a campaign to destroy&nbsp;'Free Tibet'."

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"Beijing has so effectively closed down all of Tibet. Tibetans cannot go out. Diplomats, observers, journalists and other cannot get in. So it's really difficult to know what's happening on the ground in Tibet. But this report that broke out is the truth. It's not surprising at all," she said, in an exclusive conversation with WION.

The NYT report cited satellite images of new and expanded incarceration sites.

When asked if China has intensified its actions because it may be fearing another Tibetan uprising, Lhadon said, "I think the Chinese government lives in constant fear of what might happen in Tibet. In 2008, when the Tibetan uprising happened in the lead up to the Olympic Games, it was such a PR disaster for China."

She further hailed the Tibetan movement for continually rising up against China despite years of policy making.

Lhadon added according to her, the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama was going to be a flashpoint between Tibet and China.

"I think it won't be as bad as it should be if the internationl community steps in and holds Beijing to account. Regardless of what is said, the truth is the Chinese governemt does care about what the world says. Their actions are meditated and they are constantly testing the world community," she said, adding, "a show of strength against China is really important."

Lhadon added, "In case of Tibet, I really think the international attention has saved Tibet from what's happening in Xinjiang."

The activist also said Tibetans in India have always been the key to the survival of Tibet's ancient civilisation.

"India has shown generosity to Tibet, and has been helpful in showing what it has to offer to the world," she added.

She also said that with its border row with India in Ladakh, the world can now see that China is a threat to international peace.

"Until now, China had done a good job masking its true face," she said.

China has been facing rising international criticism over its mass internment of Muslim minorities, and a recent report by researchers at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute bolsters the claims.

China has been facing rising international criticism over its mass internment of Muslim minorities, and a recent report by researchers at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute bolsters the claims. A report published in the New York Times on Thursday said the researchers have found that the Xinjiang authorities have been expanding a variety of detention sites since last year. To this end, Lhadon Tethong, director of Tibet Action Institute, told WION the news was devastating and disturbing, but not surprising. "Sadly, I am not surprised. The news is obviously devastating and disturbing. But it's not surprising at all," she said, adding, "China has been running a campaign to destroy the minorities. It has been running a campaign to destroy 'Free Tibet'." × "Beijing has so effectively closed down all of Tibet. Tibetans cannot go out. Diplomats, observers, journalists and other cannot get in. So it's really difficult to know what's happening on the ground in Tibet. But this report that broke out is the truth. It's not surprising at all," she said, in an exclusive conversation with WION. The NYT report cited satellite images of new and expanded incarceration sites. When asked if China has intensified its actions because it may be fearing another Tibetan uprising, Lhadon said, "I think the Chinese government lives in constant fear of what might happen in Tibet. In 2008, when the Tibetan uprising happened in the lead up to the Olympic Games, it was such a PR disaster for China." She further hailed the Tibetan movement for continually rising up against China despite years of policy making. Lhadon added according to her, the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama was going to be a flashpoint between Tibet and China. "I think it won't be as bad as it should be if the internationl community steps in and holds Beijing to account. Regardless of what is said, the truth is the Chinese governemt does care about what the world says. Their actions are meditated and they are constantly testing the world community," she said, adding, "a show of strength against China is really important." Lhadon added, "In case of Tibet, I really think the international attention has saved Tibet from what's happening in Xinjiang." The activist also said Tibetans in India have always been the key to the survival of Tibet's ancient civilisation. "India has shown generosity to Tibet, and has been helpful in showing what it has to offer to the world," she added. She also said that with its border row with India in Ladakh, the world can now see that China is a threat to international peace. "Until now, China had done a good job masking its true face," she said.

Not surprising at all: Tibetan activist on new report on detention sites in China’s Xinjiang

China was on Friday called out at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the West to restore basic legal rights in Hong Kong and open up to scrutiny its remote Xinjiang region where more than one million ethnic Uighurs are held.

The rare rebuke of China was voiced by the European Union, Britain, Australia and Canada among others.

China has denied mistreating Uighurs and said the camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

"No state should be above the law, China's turn has come," John Fisher of Human Rights Watch told the forum, speaking on behalf of more than 300 activist groups.

Britain called on China to uphold rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, and maintain the independence of the former British colony's judiciary.

Germany, speaking for the EU, voiced concerns at "the existence of a large network of political re-education camps, widespread surveillance, and systemic restrictions on freedom of religion or belief against Uighurs and other minorities" in Xinjiang.

Canada's ambassador Leslie Norton voiced alarm at "mass arbitrary detention and separation of children from their parents, repressive surveillance, as well as reports of forced labour and forced sterilisation affecting Uyghurs and other minorities" in the region.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last week she was discussing a possible visit to Xinjiang with Chinese authorities.

A Chinese diplomat rejected "baseless allegations" by Western delegations but did not address them.

China was on Friday called out at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the West to restore basic legal rights in Hong Kong and open up to scrutiny its remote Xinjiang region where more than one million ethnic Uighurs are held.

China was on Friday called out at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the West to restore basic legal rights in Hong Kong and open up to scrutiny its remote Xinjiang region where more than one million ethnic Uighurs are held. The rare rebuke of China was voiced by the European Union, Britain, Australia and Canada among others. China has denied mistreating Uighurs and said the camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. "No state should be above the law, China's turn has come," John Fisher of Human Rights Watch told the forum, speaking on behalf of more than 300 activist groups. Britain called on China to uphold rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, and maintain the independence of the former British colony's judiciary. Germany, speaking for the EU, voiced concerns at "the existence of a large network of political re-education camps, widespread surveillance, and systemic restrictions on freedom of religion or belief against Uighurs and other minorities" in Xinjiang. Canada's ambassador Leslie Norton voiced alarm at "mass arbitrary detention and separation of children from their parents, repressive surveillance, as well as reports of forced labour and forced sterilisation affecting Uyghurs and other minorities" in the region. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last week she was discussing a possible visit to Xinjiang with Chinese authorities. A Chinese diplomat rejected "baseless allegations" by Western delegations but did not address them.

China rebuked at UNHRC over Hong Kong, Xinjiang

Growing discontentment and religious journals seething with anger is what authorities in Pakistan have found when they tried to gauze public mood on the atrocities against Uighurs by Chinese govt in the restive western province of Xinjiang.

Pakistan's assessment over Uighur Muslims' situation in China finds anger among religious journals

China&#39;s violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang will build a &quot;Great Wall&quot; around its borders to prevent the infiltration of militants from outside the country, state media reported on Tuesday citing the regional governor.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Xinjiang in the past few years in violence between Uighurs, a mostly Muslim people who speak a Turkic language, and ethnic majority Han Chinese, especially in the heavily Uighur southern part of Xinjiang.

China blames the violence in Xinjiang on Islamist extremists and separatists, some of whom it says have links to groups outside the country.

Rights groups and Uighur exiles say it is more a product of Uighur frustration at Chinese controls on their culture and religion. China denies any repression.

Xinjiang governor Shohrat Zakir said Xinjiang would step up border measures to create a &quot;Great Wall&quot;, the official China Daily reported.

&quot;We will try our best to leave no gaps or blind spots in social security management and ensure the key areas remain absolutely safe,&quot; he said at the opening of the regional assembly&#39;s annual session.

Technology along the border would be improved and roads and other infrastructure increased, Shohrat Zakir said.

&quot;The overall situation was stable in 2017, which made people feel safer,&quot; he said. &quot;We won&#39;t allow separatism to stage a comeback and will ensure religious extremism never rises again from the ashes and terrorist attacks are doomed to failure.&quot;

The &quot;Great Wall&quot; comments were similar to those President Xi Jinping made last year during the annual session of the country&#39;s parliament, where he told Xinjiang lawmakers of the need to build a &quot;great wall of iron&quot; to safeguard stability.

Xinjiang has been relatively quiet over the past year or so after a spate of incidents, which has coincided with a massive increase in security, including collecting DNA and other biometric data from the whole population. 
&nbsp;

China's violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang will build a 'Great Wall' around its borders to prevent the infiltration of militants from outside the country, state media reported on Tuesday citing the regional governor.

China's violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang will build a "Great Wall" around its borders to prevent the infiltration of militants from outside the country, state media reported on Tuesday citing the regional governor. Hundreds of people have been killed in Xinjiang in the past few years in violence between Uighurs, a mostly Muslim people who speak a Turkic language, and ethnic majority Han Chinese, especially in the heavily Uighur southern part of Xinjiang. China blames the violence in Xinjiang on Islamist extremists and separatists, some of whom it says have links to groups outside the country. Rights groups and Uighur exiles say it is more a product of Uighur frustration at Chinese controls on their culture and religion. China denies any repression. Xinjiang governor Shohrat Zakir said Xinjiang would step up border measures to create a "Great Wall", the official China Daily reported. "We will try our best to leave no gaps or blind spots in social security management and ensure the key areas remain absolutely safe," he said at the opening of the regional assembly's annual session. Technology along the border would be improved and roads and other infrastructure increased, Shohrat Zakir said. "The overall situation was stable in 2017, which made people feel safer," he said. "We won't allow separatism to stage a comeback and will ensure religious extremism never rises again from the ashes and terrorist attacks are doomed to failure." The "Great Wall" comments were similar to those President Xi Jinping made last year during the annual session of the country's parliament, where he told Xinjiang lawmakers of the need to build a "great wall of iron" to safeguard stability. Xinjiang has been relatively quiet over the past year or so after a spate of incidents, which has coincided with a massive increase in security, including collecting DNA and other biometric data from the whole population.

China's Xinjiang to build 'Great Wall' to protect border: Governor

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