The silence of sponsors of Beijing’s Winter Olympics on the topic of human rights abuses in China is concerning, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

Companies such as Intel, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Toyota, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Allianz and Alibaba are the corporate sponsors of the Winter Olympics which are scheduled to begin in Beijing in less than 100 days.<o:p></o:p>

New York-based Human Rights Watch is concerned that the corporate sponsors are not utilising their position and the timing in the best possible way. The group is urging the sponsors to use this platform to highlight the human rights violations and abuses taking place in China under the rule of Xi Jinping.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-position-cemented-in-history-as-chinas-communist-party-passes-resolution-428596">Xi Jinping's position cemented in history as China's Communist Party passes resolution</a></o:p>

"There are just three months until the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, but corporate sponsors remain silent over how they are using their influence to address China’s appalling human rights record," said Sophie Richardson, HRW's China director.<o:p></o:p>

Richardson also warned that sponsors that by not speaking out about the human rights abuses in China, these companies "risk instead being associated with an Olympics tainted by censorship and repression".<o:p></o:p>

HRW experts also revealed that they had earlier written to the sponsors about speaking against the human rights violations in the country, but had received only one response.<o:p></o:p>

Activists and international leaders have accused XI Jinping’s government of religiously repressing the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. China has also been accused of suppressing Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet’s rights, with the locals of those areas often protesting over China’s harsh policies.<o:p></o:p>

China, however, has slammed these accusations and have called it "politicisation" of sport. Talking on the same tune, the International Olympic Committee has claimed that it does not have the power "to go into a country and&nbsp;tell them what to do".<o:p></o:p>

The silence of sponsors of Beijing’s Winter Olympics on the topic of human rights abuses in China is concerning, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Companies such as Intel, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Toyota, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Allianz and Alibaba are the corporate sponsors of the Winter Olympics which are scheduled to begin in Beijing in less than 100 days.

The silence of sponsors of Beijing’s Winter Olympics on the topic of human rights abuses in China is concerning, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Companies such as Intel, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Toyota, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Allianz and Alibaba are the corporate sponsors of the Winter Olympics which are scheduled to begin in Beijing in less than 100 days. New York-based Human Rights Watch is concerned that the corporate sponsors are not utilising their position and the timing in the best possible way. The group is urging the sponsors to use this platform to highlight the human rights violations and abuses taking place in China under the rule of Xi Jinping. Also read | Xi Jinping's position cemented in history as China's Communist Party passes resolution "There are just three months until the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, but corporate sponsors remain silent over how they are using their influence to address China’s appalling human rights record," said Sophie Richardson, HRW's China director. Richardson also warned that sponsors that by not speaking out about the human rights abuses in China, these companies "risk instead being associated with an Olympics tainted by censorship and repression". HRW experts also revealed that they had earlier written to the sponsors about speaking against the human rights violations in the country, but had received only one response. Activists and international leaders have accused XI Jinping’s government of religiously repressing the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. China has also been accused of suppressing Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet’s rights, with the locals of those areas often protesting over China’s harsh policies. China, however, has slammed these accusations and have called it "politicisation" of sport. Talking on the same tune, the International Olympic Committee has claimed that it does not have the power "to go into a country and tell them what to do".

Beijing Winter Olympics sponsors not utilising platform to talk about human rights: HRW

The Taliban has now promised to honour the rights of its people especially women, and it is being said that they would enjoy the same rights that they did before the Taliban stormed to power.

Afghanistan: Afghan girls urge Taliban to not snatch their education

Israel has outlawed six prominent Palestinian human rights groups by declaring them terrorist organisations. The move has cast a shadow on Prime Minister Bennett's government and the future of the Abraham accord in West Asia.

Israel outlaws six Palestinian human right groups, alleging terrorism

Israel has designated six Palestinian human rights group as terrorist organizations, a move that was swiftly condemned by Palestine, United Nations and the international community.

Israel designates 6 Palestinian human right groups as terrorist organization

Myanmar has been in chaos since the military coup in February this year and there is no end in sight to the bloody turmoil. Amid reports of thousands of troops massing up in the north of Myanmar. The United Nations has expressed fears of an even greater human rights catastrophe in the southeast Asian country.

No end in sight to the bloody turmoil in Myanmar

Forty-three countries called on China to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The statement was made at the United Nations on Thursday. The statement sparked outrage from Beijing. The statement has been signed by the United States along with several European and Asian member states and other countries.

The declaration accused China of human rights violations against the Uyghurs, including torture, forced sterilization and forced disappearances.

"We call on China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her office," the countries said in a joint statement, read at the United Nations by France.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-compromise-on-sovereignty-act-with-caution-over-taiwan-china-warns-us-422916">'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US</a>

"We are particularly concerned about the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region," the statement continued, citing "credible" reports that "indicate the existence of a large network of 'political reeducation' camps where over a million people have been arbitrarily detained."

China has long denied accusations of ethnic cleansing.

Its ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun furiously denounced Thursday what he termed the "lies" and "a plot to hurt China".

"Xinjiang enjoys development and the people are emancipating themselves every day and are proud of the progress made," he said.

And while Zhang told media that China was willing to host a "friendly" visit to the region, he did not agree to an inquiry by the UN human rights commissioner.&nbsp;

He accused Washington, Paris and London of having a "terrible human rights record."&nbsp;

In a statement to media, Beijing accused the US for "inhumane ethnic cleansing" against Native Americans and accused France of committing "crimes against humanity" in its former colonies.&nbsp;

Similar declarations in 2019 and 2020 condemned China for its policies in Xinjiang, where United States has accused Beijing of carrying out genocide.&nbsp;

China has in response upped pressure on UN member states not to support the declarations, according to diplomats.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Forty-three countries called on China to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The statement was made at the United Nations on Thursday.

Forty-three countries called on China to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The statement was made at the United Nations on Thursday. The statement sparked outrage from Beijing. The statement has been signed by the United States along with several European and Asian member states and other countries. The declaration accused China of human rights violations against the Uyghurs, including torture, forced sterilization and forced disappearances. "We call on China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her office," the countries said in a joint statement, read at the United Nations by France. Also Read | 'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US "We are particularly concerned about the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region," the statement continued, citing "credible" reports that "indicate the existence of a large network of 'political reeducation' camps where over a million people have been arbitrarily detained." China has long denied accusations of ethnic cleansing. Its ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun furiously denounced Thursday what he termed the "lies" and "a plot to hurt China". "Xinjiang enjoys development and the people are emancipating themselves every day and are proud of the progress made," he said. And while Zhang told media that China was willing to host a "friendly" visit to the region, he did not agree to an inquiry by the UN human rights commissioner. He accused Washington, Paris and London of having a "terrible human rights record." In a statement to media, Beijing accused the US for "inhumane ethnic cleansing" against Native Americans and accused France of committing "crimes against humanity" in its former colonies. Similar declarations in 2019 and 2020 condemned China for its policies in Xinjiang, where United States has accused Beijing of carrying out genocide. China has in response upped pressure on UN member states not to support the declarations, according to diplomats. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 40 countries ask China to respect rights of Uyghurs

Beijing is feeling the heat once again on as forty-three countries called on China at the UN to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" with regard to the Muslim Uyghur community in Xinjiang, where respect for human rights remains "particularly" worrying.

43 countries criticize China over Uyghur Muslims' rights

Three and a half years after its dramatic walkout, Washington is poised to return to a seat on the human rights council after the former trump administration withdrew from the global body.

Washington poised to return to seat on UNHRC after three and a half years

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics hosts&nbsp;China&nbsp;over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC Vice-President John Coates said on Wednesday (October 13).

Rights groups and U.S. lawmakers have called on the IOC to postpone next year's Beijing Games and relocate the event unless&nbsp;China&nbsp;ends what the United States deems ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. Chinese authorities have been accused of facilitating forced labour by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in camps since 2016.

China&nbsp;denies wrongdoing, saying it has set up vocational training centres to combat extremism.

Coates said the IOC's human rights remit only covered the "Olympic movement" and the National Olympic Committees within it.

"The IOC does place a very high emphasis on human rights," Coates told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia.

"But the IOC is not -- the IOC's remit is to ensure that there is no human rights abuses in respect of the conduct of the Games within the National Olympic Committees or within the Olympic movement.

"We have no ability to go into a country and tell them what to do. All we can do is to award the Olympics to a country, under conditions set out in a host contract ... and then ensure that they are followed."

Coates was asked why the IOC would intervene in Afghanistan, where the Games are not being held, but not take a stand in countries where they are.

The IOC said last month it had helped around 100 members of the "Olympic community" in Afghanistan to leave the country on humanitarian visas after the Taliban took control.

"The work the IOC is doing is to protect the Olympians and those involved in the Olympic moments.... those who comprise the sports federations in Afghanistan," he said.

"That's within our remit. The situations that you have referred to, the humanitarian ones in&nbsp;China, is not within our remit."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics hosts China over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC Vice-President John Coates said on Wednesday (October 13).

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics hosts China over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC Vice-President John Coates said on Wednesday (October 13). Rights groups and U.S. lawmakers have called on the IOC to postpone next year's Beijing Games and relocate the event unless China ends what the United States deems ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. Chinese authorities have been accused of facilitating forced labour by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in camps since 2016. China denies wrongdoing, saying it has set up vocational training centres to combat extremism. Coates said the IOC's human rights remit only covered the "Olympic movement" and the National Olympic Committees within it. "The IOC does place a very high emphasis on human rights," Coates told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia. "But the IOC is not -- the IOC's remit is to ensure that there is no human rights abuses in respect of the conduct of the Games within the National Olympic Committees or within the Olympic movement. "We have no ability to go into a country and tell them what to do. All we can do is to award the Olympics to a country, under conditions set out in a host contract ... and then ensure that they are followed." Coates was asked why the IOC would intervene in Afghanistan, where the Games are not being held, but not take a stand in countries where they are. The IOC said last month it had helped around 100 members of the "Olympic community" in Afghanistan to leave the country on humanitarian visas after the Taliban took control. "The work the IOC is doing is to protect the Olympians and those involved in the Olympic moments.... those who comprise the sports federations in Afghanistan," he said. "That's within our remit. The situations that you have referred to, the humanitarian ones in China, is not within our remit."

IOC's John Coates rules out pressuring China over human rights

Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release an Uyghur scholar, who was sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for raising his voice against discrimination against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang region, according to a media report.

"Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release jailed Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti, sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for his advocacy work in northwest China's Xinjiang region, while his daughter says his family does not even know his whereabouts," Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.

An economist at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing, Tohti pushed for a peaceful solution for Uyghur issues and equal rights for the persecuted group, submitting his proposals to the Chinese government for improving relations between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, said the report.

Tohti also ran the Uyghur Online website, formerly at uyghurbiz.net, set up in 2006 as an advisory platform for Uyghur intellectuals to promote voices from within their community.

According to the publication, the website also drew attention to the discrimination facing Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) under Beijing's rule, as authorities tried to assimilate the ethnic group by restricting religious practises and use of the Uyghur language.

The Chinese government shut down the website several times prior to Tohti's formal arrest in January 2014, citing the politically sensitive nature of its content. He was convicted by the Urumqi Intermediate Court on Sept. 23 of the same year following a two-day trial, the report said.

"It has been seven years since China's unlawful imprisonment of Professor Ilham Tohti. While the international community has called on China to release him from prison ... China has neither released him nor revealed his current whereabouts and health condition, " RFA quoted Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress, as saying.

"We call on the United Nations to urge China to release Professor Tohti," he said, adding, "The European Parliament, which awarded him the 2019 Sakharov Prize, should continue to push for Professor Tohti's freedom."

The repression of the Uyghurs has gotten progressively worse since then. China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention camps since 2017, RFA reported.

Meanwhile, China has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities, and subjecting them to abuse, including forced labour.

Beijing, on the other hand, has vehemently denied that it is engaged in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang while reports from journalists, NGOs and former detainees have surfaced, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) brutal crackdown on the ethnic community.

Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release an Uyghur scholar, who was sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for raising his voice against discrimination against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang region, according to a media report.

Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release an Uyghur scholar, who was sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for raising his voice against discrimination against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang region, according to a media report. "Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release jailed Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti, sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for his advocacy work in northwest China's Xinjiang region, while his daughter says his family does not even know his whereabouts," Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported. An economist at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing, Tohti pushed for a peaceful solution for Uyghur issues and equal rights for the persecuted group, submitting his proposals to the Chinese government for improving relations between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, said the report. Tohti also ran the Uyghur Online website, formerly at uyghurbiz.net, set up in 2006 as an advisory platform for Uyghur intellectuals to promote voices from within their community. According to the publication, the website also drew attention to the discrimination facing Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) under Beijing's rule, as authorities tried to assimilate the ethnic group by restricting religious practises and use of the Uyghur language. The Chinese government shut down the website several times prior to Tohti's formal arrest in January 2014, citing the politically sensitive nature of its content. He was convicted by the Urumqi Intermediate Court on Sept. 23 of the same year following a two-day trial, the report said. "It has been seven years since China's unlawful imprisonment of Professor Ilham Tohti. While the international community has called on China to release him from prison ... China has neither released him nor revealed his current whereabouts and health condition, " RFA quoted Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress, as saying. "We call on the United Nations to urge China to release Professor Tohti," he said, adding, "The European Parliament, which awarded him the 2019 Sakharov Prize, should continue to push for Professor Tohti's freedom." The repression of the Uyghurs has gotten progressively worse since then. China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention camps since 2017, RFA reported. Meanwhile, China has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities, and subjecting them to abuse, including forced labour. Beijing, on the other hand, has vehemently denied that it is engaged in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang while reports from journalists, NGOs and former detainees have surfaced, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) brutal crackdown on the ethnic community.

Human rights activists call on China to release Uyghur scholar

US border troops beat up migrants with whips near the Texas border. The pictures surfaced days before Biden's human rights pitch at the UNGA. Who will stand up to America's rights abuses? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas US Edition: US border patrol whips helpless migrants

A recent research by human rights organisation Front Line Defenders has revealed that sex worker activists are among the most at-risk defenders of human rights in the world as they face multiple threats and violent attacks.

A recent research by human rights organisation Front Line Defenders has revealed that sex worker activists are among the most at-risk defenders of human rights in the world as they face multiple threats and violent attacks. The research highlights the experience of 300 individuals in Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan, El Salvador and Myanmar. It focuses on cases of sexual assault, threats from managers and clients, raids on homes and offices, physical attacks and police surveillance endured by sex workers undertaking human rights work. The services the activists provide to fellow sex workers include, negotiating access to brothels, conducting gender rights training, offering legal and health counselling, reporting experiences of violence, and campaigning for freedom of movement and free choice of employment for those seeking to leave sex work. Also read | Nigeria imposes partial curfew after deadly attack Research and visibility coordinator at Front Line Defenders and lead author of the report, Erin Kilbride, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Sex worker rights defenders take extreme personal risks to protect their communities’ rights to access justice, healthcare, housing and food, while responding to the immediate threats of police and domestic violence, discrimination, criminalisation and structural poverty.” As per the report, in El Salvador, and other countries, physical attacks by clients and managers began after they learned about a sex worker’s activism. In Myanmar, police followed activists to brothels to conduct raids during human rights trainings. Also, some activists had been forced to change where they sell sex. This is because police surveillance increased after they became known for their human rights work.

Sex workers fighting for human rights are world’s most ‘at risk activists’

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless. 
 
Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months, rising about 30%, as investors cashed in on historically low interest rates and cheap access to capital under the government`s pandemic-inspired stimulus spending. 
 
Successive governments have failed to solve the housing crisis and for many people, especially young people, the goal of an affordable home has become more remote, New Zealand`s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said in a statement. 
 
"The housing crisis in Aotearoa is also a human rights crisis encompassing homeownership, market renting, state housing and homelessness," Hunt said, using the country`s indigenous Maori name. 
 
"It is having a punishing impact especially on the most marginalised in our communities," he said. 
 
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, said in her report published in June that there is a persistent lack of affordable housing in New Zealand, and consecutive governments have failed to ensure that the housing market meets the needs of the entire population, particularly those who have low incomes. 
 
Soaring prices and rents have forced families into emergency housing, with the government housing many in motels as there are not enough state homes available. 
 
Under pressure Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a raft of measures this year to tax investors and discourage speculators. But these have had only a marginal impact. 
 
The rising inequality inflamed by the housing crisis is arguably the biggest political challenge facing Ardern`s centre-left Labour-led government. The 41-year-old`s popularity soared with her response to the pandemic that kept nationwide cases to barely 2,500 and led to an emphatic election win last year. 
 
But her support has been slipping with the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll on Sunday showing Labour`s support fell to 43%, down almost 10 points since the last poll in May, while the main opposition National Party`s support inched up to almost 29%. Support for Ardern as the prime minister also declined but she was still well ahead of her rivals. 
 
Ardern defended her government`s record on housing saying it was pulling every lever to ensure everyone gets a warm, dry home. 
 
“When I look at the record of what we’ve done, 8,000 houses to date, 18,000 on the cards. We are scaling up as quickly as we can," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in a interview after the inquiry was announced.

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless.

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless. Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months, rising about 30%, as investors cashed in on historically low interest rates and cheap access to capital under the government`s pandemic-inspired stimulus spending. Successive governments have failed to solve the housing crisis and for many people, especially young people, the goal of an affordable home has become more remote, New Zealand`s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said in a statement. "The housing crisis in Aotearoa is also a human rights crisis encompassing homeownership, market renting, state housing and homelessness," Hunt said, using the country`s indigenous Maori name. "It is having a punishing impact especially on the most marginalised in our communities," he said. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, said in her report published in June that there is a persistent lack of affordable housing in New Zealand, and consecutive governments have failed to ensure that the housing market meets the needs of the entire population, particularly those who have low incomes. Soaring prices and rents have forced families into emergency housing, with the government housing many in motels as there are not enough state homes available. Under pressure Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a raft of measures this year to tax investors and discourage speculators. But these have had only a marginal impact. The rising inequality inflamed by the housing crisis is arguably the biggest political challenge facing Ardern`s centre-left Labour-led government. The 41-year-old`s popularity soared with her response to the pandemic that kept nationwide cases to barely 2,500 and led to an emphatic election win last year. But her support has been slipping with the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll on Sunday showing Labour`s support fell to 43%, down almost 10 points since the last poll in May, while the main opposition National Party`s support inched up to almost 29%. Support for Ardern as the prime minister also declined but she was still well ahead of her rivals. Ardern defended her government`s record on housing saying it was pulling every lever to ensure everyone gets a warm, dry home. “When I look at the record of what we’ve done, 8,000 houses to date, 18,000 on the cards. We are scaling up as quickly as we can," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in a interview after the inquiry was announced.

New Zealand human rights commission launches inquiry into housing crisis

Thousands of people escaped China's cultural revolution in the 1960s. That number decreased as the country stabilised.

However, the number of Chinese nationals leaving the country to settle in another country is fast increasing once more. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-rich-are-leaving-the-country-in-drove-323784">Also read: China’s rich are leaving the country in drove</a>

According to UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) figures, the annual number of asylum seekers from China increased from 15,362 to 107,864 between 2012 and 2020.

613,000 Chinese people have applied for asylum in another country since Xi Jinping gained power at the end of 2012. &nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Chinese citizens are fleeing Xi Jinping's rule

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-citizens-are-fleeing-xi-jinpings-rule-401600/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2020, about 70% of them applied for asylum in the United States. Many people come on tourist or business visas and then apply for asylum. 
 
Watch: Human Rights Day Special | How can China be held accountable for human rights abuses?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/human-rights-day-special-how-can-china-be-held-accountable-for-human-rights-abuses-348902/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many wealthy Chinese are fleeing China in search of better educational opportunities and to escape the country's dirty cities and oppressive regime. 
 
They also want to keep their money safe.&nbsp;

According to leaked records, Yang Huiyan, China's richest lady, is one of 500 affluent Chinese people who have earned European Union (EU) citizenship by acquiring a "golden passport" in Cyprus.&nbsp;

Human rights defenders and anyone has seen to be dissidents have been targeted by Xi Jinping's leadership, as has systematic suppression of ethnic minorities.&nbsp;

At the United Nations, China was chastised and urged to grant immediate, meaningful, and unrestricted access to Xinjiang.

Restrictions on freedom of expression remained in place unabated.

Foreign journalists were subjected to detention and expulsion, as well as visa renewal delays and denials.&nbsp;

China has rapidly expanded its global influence in recent years, bolstering its military and technological capacities while becoming more intertwined in the economies of countries worldwide.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people escaped China's cultural revolution in the 1960s. That number decreased as the country stabilised. However, the number of Chinese nationals leaving the country to settle in another country is fast increasing once more.

Thousands of people escaped China's cultural revolution in the 1960s. That number decreased as the country stabilised. However, the number of Chinese nationals leaving the country to settle in another country is fast increasing once more. Also read: China’s rich are leaving the country in drove According to UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) figures, the annual number of asylum seekers from China increased from 15,362 to 107,864 between 2012 and 2020. 613,000 Chinese people have applied for asylum in another country since Xi Jinping gained power at the end of 2012. Watch | Gravitas: Chinese citizens are fleeing Xi Jinping's rule In 2020, about 70% of them applied for asylum in the United States. Many people come on tourist or business visas and then apply for asylum. Watch: Human Rights Day Special | How can China be held accountable for human rights abuses? Many wealthy Chinese are fleeing China in search of better educational opportunities and to escape the country's dirty cities and oppressive regime. They also want to keep their money safe. According to leaked records, Yang Huiyan, China's richest lady, is one of 500 affluent Chinese people who have earned European Union (EU) citizenship by acquiring a "golden passport" in Cyprus. Human rights defenders and anyone has seen to be dissidents have been targeted by Xi Jinping's leadership, as has systematic suppression of ethnic minorities. At the United Nations, China was chastised and urged to grant immediate, meaningful, and unrestricted access to Xinjiang. Restrictions on freedom of expression remained in place unabated. Foreign journalists were subjected to detention and expulsion, as well as visa renewal delays and denials. China has rapidly expanded its global influence in recent years, bolstering its military and technological capacities while becoming more intertwined in the economies of countries worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

The great exodus from China: Under Xi Jinping, asylum seekers number shoots up over 600,000

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship.

Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China.

Popularly known as a "barefoot lawyer", Chen gained international recognition when he exposed China’s forced abortions and harassment of parents against China’s controversial 'one-child policy'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-43-people-killed-by-heatwave-found-along-us-mexico-border-in-arizona-report-397790">Remains of 43 people found along US-Mexico border in Arizona: Report</a>

After he organised a class-action lawsuit against the officials in Linyi, Shandong province, he was prosecuted for several weeks and was then placed under house arrest from September 2005 to March 2006.

His house arrest was followed by a prison sentence of four years. However, after serving his full time, he was once again put on ‘soft detention’, which was yet another house arrest.

This time, however, reports started emerging of him and his wife being beaten up by authorities, a little after some human rights activists released a video online of his house being managed under police surveillance.

As the torture, reportedly, increased, Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and took shelter in the Embassy of the United States in Beijing. He was allowed to leave the embassy for medical treatment in May 2012, and a few days later his wife and children were also allowed to leave for the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-claims-to-have-70-of-global-5g-stations-amid-international-security-concerns-397786" hreflang="en">China claims to have 70% of world's 5G stations amid global security concerns</a>

The 49-year-old has been vocal in raising concerns about the poor human rights in the country. He has also supported former US President Donald Trump in his fight to "stop China's aggression".

"The human rights situation is getting worse and worse," he said. "As people in China are more aware of their rights as they get more information online, and have more demand for their rights, the Communist Party is becoming more and more worried about losing their control and power, and that results in them using more and more force to suppress the people to protect the control of the power."

Now, after almost 15 years of citizenship battle, Chen has managed to become a permanent resident and citizen of the United States. Chen said he is "very grateful that America, this free country, has welcomed us".

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship. Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China.

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship. Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China. Popularly known as a "barefoot lawyer", Chen gained international recognition when he exposed China’s forced abortions and harassment of parents against China’s controversial 'one-child policy'. Also read | Remains of 43 people found along US-Mexico border in Arizona: Report After he organised a class-action lawsuit against the officials in Linyi, Shandong province, he was prosecuted for several weeks and was then placed under house arrest from September 2005 to March 2006. His house arrest was followed by a prison sentence of four years. However, after serving his full time, he was once again put on ‘soft detention’, which was yet another house arrest. This time, however, reports started emerging of him and his wife being beaten up by authorities, a little after some human rights activists released a video online of his house being managed under police surveillance. As the torture, reportedly, increased, Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and took shelter in the Embassy of the United States in Beijing. He was allowed to leave the embassy for medical treatment in May 2012, and a few days later his wife and children were also allowed to leave for the US. Also read | China claims to have 70% of world's 5G stations amid global security concerns The 49-year-old has been vocal in raising concerns about the poor human rights in the country. He has also supported former US President Donald Trump in his fight to "stop China's aggression". "The human rights situation is getting worse and worse," he said. "As people in China are more aware of their rights as they get more information online, and have more demand for their rights, the Communist Party is becoming more and more worried about losing their control and power, and that results in them using more and more force to suppress the people to protect the control of the power." Now, after almost 15 years of citizenship battle, Chen has managed to become a permanent resident and citizen of the United States. Chen said he is "very grateful that America, this free country, has welcomed us".

Blind human rights activist who escaped China in 2012 gets American citizenship

The United Nations body on human rights has expressed anguish over the death of Jesuit priest Stan Swamy. The death of 84-year old tribal rights activist as a pre-trial prisoner in the Bhima Koregaon case has led to widespread expressions.

UN Human Rights body expresses anguish over death of Father Stan Swamy

Police arrested Javier Tarazona, director of Venezuelan human rights non-governmental group FundaRedes, two days after he held a news conference in Caracas alleging links between members of the government and illegal armed groups from Colombia. 
 
He and three others were detained on Friday in the northwestern state of Falcon. 
 
Tarazona and three others were detained after reporting on Friday morning to the state's prosecutor that their team had been harassed by intelligence service officials and unidentified armed men had been waiting for him at the door of his hotel, the organisation said on its Twitter account. 
 
"We demand that the integrity and life of these four people be respected, as well as the integrity and life of FundaRedes activists and volunteers," said Clara Ramirez, FundaRedes' documentation and human rights coordinator. 
 
"It is alarming that the Venezuelan state maintains a policy of intimidation, threat and harassment against human rights defenders," she said. 
 
FundaRedes has been the most active entity documenting and denouncing abuses by Colombian armed groups in border areas and their illegal trafficking and mining activities. 
 
The group was the first organisation in March to denounce fighting between the Venezuelan military and dissident groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas, which departed from peace accords signed in 2016, in remote parts of the Apure state on the border with Colombia. 
 
The group also denounced extrajudicial executions of civilians at the hands of Venezuelan police forces and the displacement of hundreds of inhabitants of Apure in search of refuge in Colombian territory. 
 
This week, Tarazona was at the headquarters of the prosecutor's office in Caracas, to request that the alleged links between government officials and irregular armed be investigated. 
 
Venezuela's information ministry and prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Police arrested Javier Tarazona, director of Venezuelan human rights non-governmental group FundaRedes, two days after he held a news conference in Caracas alleging links between members of the government and illegal armed groups from Colombia.

Police arrested Javier Tarazona, director of Venezuelan human rights non-governmental group FundaRedes, two days after he held a news conference in Caracas alleging links between members of the government and illegal armed groups from Colombia. He and three others were detained on Friday in the northwestern state of Falcon. Tarazona and three others were detained after reporting on Friday morning to the state's prosecutor that their team had been harassed by intelligence service officials and unidentified armed men had been waiting for him at the door of his hotel, the organisation said on its Twitter account. "We demand that the integrity and life of these four people be respected, as well as the integrity and life of FundaRedes activists and volunteers," said Clara Ramirez, FundaRedes' documentation and human rights coordinator. "It is alarming that the Venezuelan state maintains a policy of intimidation, threat and harassment against human rights defenders," she said. FundaRedes has been the most active entity documenting and denouncing abuses by Colombian armed groups in border areas and their illegal trafficking and mining activities. The group was the first organisation in March to denounce fighting between the Venezuelan military and dissident groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas, which departed from peace accords signed in 2016, in remote parts of the Apure state on the border with Colombia. The group also denounced extrajudicial executions of civilians at the hands of Venezuelan police forces and the displacement of hundreds of inhabitants of Apure in search of refuge in Colombian territory. This week, Tarazona was at the headquarters of the prosecutor's office in Caracas, to request that the alleged links between government officials and irregular armed be investigated. Venezuela's information ministry and prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan police detain head of human rights group

A new study has revealed that China’s popularity in developed countries has seen a major fall due to the way the country has been treating minority groups and the excessive restrictions on freedom and human rights.

The research was conducted by Pew Research Center where experts gathered opinions of 18,850 people from Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

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Experts observed that the unfavourable views towards China are at a record-high in Sweden, Australia, South Korea and the US. Additionally, the negative attitude towards the Asian countries is constantly increasing in Australia, Canada and the UK due to bilateral tensions in 2020 under the Xi Jinping government.

Except for Singapore and Greece, where 64 per cent and 52 per cent of people hold favourable views about China respectively, no other participant country has crossed the threshold of 40 per cent in terms of holding favourable views about China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-communist-partys-sauce-for-success-booming-economy-ruthlessness-ideological-agility-395508">Chinese Communist Party's sauce for success: Booming economy, ruthlessness, ideological agility</a>&nbsp;

The reason behind this wave of negative outlook towards China is Xi Jinping's government’s attitude towards the freedom of its citizens and human rights. A large number of people believe China fails to provide and respect the freedom to its own people. With an exception of Singapore (where only 60 per cent population feels this way), in all other countries at least 80 per cent of people believe China practises poor freedom and rights.

In addition to this, the majority of the participants have no confidence in the Chinese President Xi Jinping with regards to doing the right thing in world affairs. China’s popularity has suffered majorly due to the coronavirus pandemic that allegedly originated from a lab in Wuhan.

A new study has revealed that China’s popularity in developed countries has seen a major fall due to the way the country has been treating minority groups and the excessive restrictions on freedom and human rights.

A new study has revealed that China’s popularity in developed countries has seen a major fall due to the way the country has been treating minority groups and the excessive restrictions on freedom and human rights. The research was conducted by Pew Research Center where experts gathered opinions of 18,850 people from Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Also read | China bill delayed in US House amid partisan wrangling Experts observed that the unfavourable views towards China are at a record-high in Sweden, Australia, South Korea and the US. Additionally, the negative attitude towards the Asian countries is constantly increasing in Australia, Canada and the UK due to bilateral tensions in 2020 under the Xi Jinping government. Except for Singapore and Greece, where 64 per cent and 52 per cent of people hold favourable views about China respectively, no other participant country has crossed the threshold of 40 per cent in terms of holding favourable views about China. Also read | Chinese Communist Party's sauce for success: Booming economy, ruthlessness, ideological agility The reason behind this wave of negative outlook towards China is Xi Jinping's government’s attitude towards the freedom of its citizens and human rights. A large number of people believe China fails to provide and respect the freedom to its own people. With an exception of Singapore (where only 60 per cent population feels this way), in all other countries at least 80 per cent of people believe China practises poor freedom and rights. In addition to this, the majority of the participants have no confidence in the Chinese President Xi Jinping with regards to doing the right thing in world affairs. China’s popularity has suffered majorly due to the coronavirus pandemic that allegedly originated from a lab in Wuhan.

China's poor attitude towards human rights results in decline in popularity in developed countries: Study

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented. 
 
Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. 
 
Authorities have said the law would affect an 'extremely small minority' of people and that it had restored stability after months of often-violent protests in 2019. They have said rights and freedoms in the former British colony remain protected but they are not absolute. 
 
Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile.

"In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," said Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra. 
 
"Ultimately, this sweeping and repressive legislation threatens to make the city a human rights wasteland increasingly resembling mainland China." 
 
The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
 
Authorities have said all arrests have been lawful and no one was above the law, regardless of their occupation. 
 
In its 47-page report, the international human rights group cited analysis of court judgements, court hearing notes and interviews with activists, concluding the legislation has been used 'to carry out a wide range of human rights violations'. 
 
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of a high degree of autonomy from Beijing and that wide-ranging rights and freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years. 
 
Mishra said the law "has infected every part of Hong Kong society and fomented a climate of fear that forces residents to think twice about what they say, what they tweet and how they live their lives". 
 
More than 100 people were arrested and more than 60 charged in the first year under the security law, according to a tally by Reuters. 
 
"Hong Kong's NSL has been used as a false pretext to curb dissent," the rights group said, referring to the security law. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented.

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. Authorities have said the law would affect an 'extremely small minority' of people and that it had restored stability after months of often-violent protests in 2019. They have said rights and freedoms in the former British colony remain protected but they are not absolute. Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile. "In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," said Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra. "Ultimately, this sweeping and repressive legislation threatens to make the city a human rights wasteland increasingly resembling mainland China." The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Authorities have said all arrests have been lawful and no one was above the law, regardless of their occupation. In its 47-page report, the international human rights group cited analysis of court judgements, court hearing notes and interviews with activists, concluding the legislation has been used 'to carry out a wide range of human rights violations'. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of a high degree of autonomy from Beijing and that wide-ranging rights and freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years. Mishra said the law "has infected every part of Hong Kong society and fomented a climate of fear that forces residents to think twice about what they say, what they tweet and how they live their lives". More than 100 people were arrested and more than 60 charged in the first year under the security law, according to a tally by Reuters. "Hong Kong's NSL has been used as a false pretext to curb dissent," the rights group said, referring to the security law. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty

Saudi Arabia has released two women activists detained nearly three years ago, rights groups said on Sunday, following a fierce crackdown on female campaigners.

Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in the summer of 2018 with about a dozen other women activists on what rights groups called opaque charges related to national security.

"Prominent Saudi women human rights defenders Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah have been released following the expiry of the sentences against them," London-based rights group ALQST said on Twitter.

Saudi authorities have not yet commented publicly on their release.

The two women "should never have been jailed in the first place and deserve justice (and) compensation for their arbitrary detention," Adam Coogle, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter.

That view was echoed by Amnesty International, which called on Saudi King Salman to "remove the travel bans on Nassima and Samar, and all the released peaceful activists".

Several freed activists and their family members are barred from leaving Saudi Arabia, in a collective punishment that leaves them vulnerable to what campaigners call state coercion.

In late December, a Saudi court handed prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul a prison term of five years and eight months for terrorism-related crimes, but a partially suspended sentence paved the way for her early release in February.

Hathloul was released on probation and is banned from leaving the kingdom for five years.

The crackdown on women activists, which drew global condemnation, have cast a spotlight on the human rights record of the kingdom, an absolute monarchy.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to press Saudi Arabia harder on human rights and earlier this year declassified an intelligence report into the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Khashoggi's murder tarnished the global reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to modernise the conservative kingdom as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

Saudi Arabia has released two women activists detained nearly three years ago, rights groups said on Sunday, following a fierce crackdown on female campaigners. Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in the summer of 2018 with about a dozen other women activists on what rights groups called opaque charges related to national security.

Saudi Arabia has released two women activists detained nearly three years ago, rights groups said on Sunday, following a fierce crackdown on female campaigners. Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in the summer of 2018 with about a dozen other women activists on what rights groups called opaque charges related to national security. "Prominent Saudi women human rights defenders Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah have been released following the expiry of the sentences against them," London-based rights group ALQST said on Twitter. Saudi authorities have not yet commented publicly on their release. The two women "should never have been jailed in the first place and deserve justice (and) compensation for their arbitrary detention," Adam Coogle, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter. That view was echoed by Amnesty International, which called on Saudi King Salman to "remove the travel bans on Nassima and Samar, and all the released peaceful activists". Several freed activists and their family members are barred from leaving Saudi Arabia, in a collective punishment that leaves them vulnerable to what campaigners call state coercion. In late December, a Saudi court handed prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul a prison term of five years and eight months for terrorism-related crimes, but a partially suspended sentence paved the way for her early release in February. Hathloul was released on probation and is banned from leaving the kingdom for five years. The crackdown on women activists, which drew global condemnation, have cast a spotlight on the human rights record of the kingdom, an absolute monarchy. US President Joe Biden has vowed to press Saudi Arabia harder on human rights and earlier this year declassified an intelligence report into the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Khashoggi's murder tarnished the global reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to modernise the conservative kingdom as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

Saudi Arabia releases two jailed women activists: Campaigners

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives.

He said that there was no sign of improvement to the country's rights situation. He pointed at arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence.

And with Eritrea's incursion into neighbouring Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, it had extended its long-criticised abuses "extra-territorially", Babikar said.

Eritrea, an impoverished country in the Horn of Africa, is one of the world's most repressive states, according to rights groups, despite a surprise 2018 peace deal with longtime foe Ethiopia.

The rapprochement ended a two-decade war, but also paved the way for the Eritrean military to join in when the&nbsp; 
Ethiopian government last November sent troops into Tigray to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party and bitter enemy of Eritrea.

Eritrean troops stand accused of massacring civilians and forcing &nbsp;Eritrean refugees back across the border, according to rights groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives.

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives. He said that there was no sign of improvement to the country's rights situation. He pointed at arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence. And with Eritrea's incursion into neighbouring Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, it had extended its long-criticised abuses "extra-territorially", Babikar said. Eritrea, an impoverished country in the Horn of Africa, is one of the world's most repressive states, according to rights groups, despite a surprise 2018 peace deal with longtime foe Ethiopia. The rapprochement ended a two-decade war, but also paved the way for the Eritrean military to join in when the Ethiopian government last November sent troops into Tigray to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party and bitter enemy of Eritrea. Eritrean troops stand accused of massacring civilians and forcing Eritrean refugees back across the border, according to rights groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses

The West is gearing up to confront China. The G7 is taking on China on three fronts - Wuhan Virus origins, Human Rights & the Belt & Road debt trap. While NATO leaders are gearing up to declare China a security risk. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Alliance of Democracies gears up to challenge China

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

"The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview.

"It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations."

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Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations.

Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-human-rights-report-lambasts-china-over-uighur-atrocities-374537">US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities</a>

US&nbsp;House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US&nbsp;diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China.

Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday. Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week. Also Read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit "The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview. "It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations." Also Read | Chinese solar companies tied to use of forced labor Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations. Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record. Also Read | US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China. Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

China's 2022 Olympics a chance to press Beijing on human rights: Canada

China has reacted sharply to statements by Australia and New Zealand where they express grave concern over developments in Hong Kong and the Human Rights situation in Xinjiang.

China rejects Australia, New Zealand concerns about Human Rights

The US President Joe Biden has taken a direct hit at China and Russia once again. While speaking at the US Memorial Day Biden has pledged to bring up the issue of Human Rights with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the June summit in Geneva.

Biden warns China and Russia on Human Rights violations

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday that Israel's recent deadly airstrikes in Gaza may constitute 'war crimes'.

Bachelet added that she hasn't seen any evidence that showed that the attacked buildings were used for military purposes. She was addressing a special session of the UN.

Bachelet voiced deep concern about the surge in deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

"Although Israel undertook a number of precautions, such as advance warning of attacks in some cases, air strikes in such densely populated areas resulted in a high level of civilian fatalities and injuries, as well as the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

"If found to be indiscriminate and disproportionate in their impact on civilians and civilian objects, such attacks may constitute war crimes."

Before a truce took hold last Friday, Israeli air strikes and artillery fire on Gaza killed 253 Palestinians, including 66 children, and wounded more than 1,900 people in 11 days of conflict, the health ministry in Gaza says.&nbsp;

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Rocket and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded.

Bachelet called on "Hamas and all armed groups to refrain from use of indiscriminate rockets and mortars, for which there must be accountability".&nbsp;

"There is no doubt that Israel has the right to defend its citizens and residents," she said. "However, Palestinians have rights too. The same rights."&nbsp;

The UN rights chief highlighted the scale of the destruction in Gaza.

"Although reportedly targeting members of armed groups and their military infrastructure, Israeli attacks resulted in extensive civilian deaths and injuries, as well as large-scale destruction and damage to civilian objects," she said.

Bachelet pointed out that governmental buildings, residential homes, international humanitarian organisations, medical facilities and media offices had been hit.&nbsp;

"Despite Israel's claims that many of these buildings were hosting armed groups or being used for military purposes, we have not seen evidence in this regard," she said.

United Nations' 47-member human rights council was debating a draft resolution to launch broad international investigation into violations surrounding the latest Gaza violence, but also of "systematic" abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday that Israel's recent deadly airstrikes in Gaza may constitute 'war crimes'. Bachelet added that she hasn't seen any evidence that showed that the attacked buildings were used for military purposes.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday that Israel's recent deadly airstrikes in Gaza may constitute 'war crimes'. Bachelet added that she hasn't seen any evidence that showed that the attacked buildings were used for military purposes. She was addressing a special session of the UN. Bachelet voiced deep concern about the surge in deadly violence between Israelis and Palestinians. "Although Israel undertook a number of precautions, such as advance warning of attacks in some cases, air strikes in such densely populated areas resulted in a high level of civilian fatalities and injuries, as well as the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said. "If found to be indiscriminate and disproportionate in their impact on civilians and civilian objects, such attacks may constitute war crimes." Before a truce took hold last Friday, Israeli air strikes and artillery fire on Gaza killed 253 Palestinians, including 66 children, and wounded more than 1,900 people in 11 days of conflict, the health ministry in Gaza says. Also Read | Ireland first European country to declare Israeli settlements 'annexation' Rocket and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded. Bachelet called on "Hamas and all armed groups to refrain from use of indiscriminate rockets and mortars, for which there must be accountability". "There is no doubt that Israel has the right to defend its citizens and residents," she said. "However, Palestinians have rights too. The same rights." The UN rights chief highlighted the scale of the destruction in Gaza. "Although reportedly targeting members of armed groups and their military infrastructure, Israeli attacks resulted in extensive civilian deaths and injuries, as well as large-scale destruction and damage to civilian objects," she said. Bachelet pointed out that governmental buildings, residential homes, international humanitarian organisations, medical facilities and media offices had been hit. "Despite Israel's claims that many of these buildings were hosting armed groups or being used for military purposes, we have not seen evidence in this regard," she said. United Nations' 47-member human rights council was debating a draft resolution to launch broad international investigation into violations surrounding the latest Gaza violence, but also of "systematic" abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli attacks on Gaza may constitute war crimes: UN Human Rights chief

Paris&nbsp;police&nbsp;used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a&nbsp;pro-Palestinian&nbsp;rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said.

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Police&nbsp;blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones.

Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police&nbsp;pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-fallout-germany-will-not-tolerate-anti-semitic-protests-says-merkels-spokesman-384985/amp">Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman</a>

"You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP.

As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard.

A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward&nbsp;police, but no arrests were reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank</a>

Ban 'unacceptable'

The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;march during the last war in 2014 when&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets.

"We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march.

But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing&nbsp;Paris, accused the government of inflaming&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with the ban.

Repeat of&nbsp;unrest?&nbsp;

"If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march.

"They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests.

The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees.

But a&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014."

Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;suburbs.&nbsp;

"We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille.

But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes.

The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression.

Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups."

The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza."

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people.

It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years. Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said. Also read | French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant Police blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the protesters were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones. Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned. Also read | Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman "You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP. As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many protesters left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard. A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward police, but no arrests were reported. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank Ban 'unacceptable' The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar Paris march during the last war in 2014 when protesters took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets. "We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march. But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing Paris, accused the government of inflaming tensions with the ban. Repeat of unrest? "If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march. "They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests. The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees. But a Paris court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014." Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some Paris suburbs. "We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille. But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes. The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression. Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups." The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza." France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people. It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Tensions in Paris as pro-Palestinian protesters defy police

With Ramadan fast approaching, Jiya, a transgender tailor, and her colleagues are busy stitching colourful clothes for women and also the transgender community in Pakistan's commercial city of Karachi. Watch to know more

Pakistan's transgender tailors look to Ramadan for business boost

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey.&nbsp;

Recently, Turkish politicians criticised China for its treatment of Uighurs. Beijing then created a situation that ultimately led to the cutting of water supply to the Chinese embassy in Ankara. 
 
Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-cuts-off-water-supplies-to-chinese-embassy-376545/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On April 5, Meral Aksener, chairwoman of Turkey's opposition party, put out this tweet.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C4%B1nKatliam%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarınKatliamı</a>’nda Çin esaretine boyun eğmeyen Doğu Türkistanlı soydaşlarımızı, şehadetlerinin yıl dönümünde rahmetle anıyorum… 
 
Esaret altındaki soydaşlarımızı unutmayacak, uğradıkları zulümlere sessiz kalmayacağız. 
 
Doğu Türkistan bir gün mutlaka bağımsız olacak! <a href="https://t.co/VoA7m1suh8">pic.twitter.com/VoA7m1suh8</a>
— Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) <a href="https://twitter.com/meral_aksener/status/1378989779916886022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In her tweet, she said that 'east Turkistan would become independent one day. It is reference to Xinjiang and the Baren revolution.

In the year 1990, thousands of Uighurs and Turkic minorities were killed by Chinese troops. Their fault was that they rebelled against Chinese occupation, genocide, and robbing women of their babies under the one-child policy. The Baren uprising had erupted on the 5th of April, 1990.

And on the 5th of April this year, another Turkish politician tweeted about it. He was Mansur Yavas, Mayor of Ankara.

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Doğu Türkistan'da yaşanan katliamın acısını 31 yıl geçmesine rağmen hâlâ ilk günkü gibi hissediyoruz. 
 
Barın şehitlerini rahmetle anıyorum. <a href="https://t.co/eXJoUL2teC">pic.twitter.com/eXJoUL2teC</a>
— Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansuryavas06/status/1378953364483022849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

'although 31 years have passed, we still feel the pain of the massacre' he said

This did not go down too well with china.

The Chinese embassy in Ankara shot back with a tweet within 24 hours.

'The Xinjiang Uigur autonomous region is an integral part of Chinese territory. This is an internationally accepted and indisputable fact,' said the tweet. The embassy tagged both the Turkish leaders.

Another tweet followed.

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Çin tarafı, herhangi bir kişi veya gücün Çin’in egemenliğine ve toprak bütünlüğüne herhangi bir şekilde meydan okumasına kararlılıkla karşı çıkmakta ve bunu şiddetle kınamaktadır. Çin tarafı, haklı karşılık verme hakkını saklı tutmaktadır.<a href="https://twitter.com/meral_aksener?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@meral_aksener</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mansuryavas06?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mansuryavas06</a>
— Çin Büyükelçiliği Ankara/中国驻土耳其使馆 (@ChinaEmbTurkey) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaEmbTurkey/status/1379379955042242562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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'China opposes any challenge to its sovereignty and reserves the right to a justified response,' it said. Again, the two leaders were tagged. The Chinese embassy in Ankara was threatening the mayor of the city!

The tweets triggered an outrage on social media. Reports say Turkey summoned the Chinese Ambassador the very same day. The next day- the spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry openly backed the embassy's tweet

'The response of China's embassy in turkey was absolutely appropriate,' said Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson said.

Here's what happened next.

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After the Chinese Embassy targeted the mayor of Ankara, Ankara Municipality cuts water to Chinese Embassy. <a href="https://t.co/wDjjUXCJD5">pic.twitter.com/wDjjUXCJD5</a>
— ibrahim Haskoloğlu (@haskologlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/haskologlu/status/1379797474278305801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Ankara municipality cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy. Experts say- this is the most public spat between china and turkey in more than a decade.

Turkey is home to one of the world's largest Uighur communities, most of whom have fled the genocide in China.

The people of Turkey share religious and linguistic ties with the Uighurs. While Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been silent on the genocide. The people, of Turkey, it seems, have decided to choose Human Rights.

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey.

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey. Recently, Turkish politicians criticised China for its treatment of Uighurs. Beijing then created a situation that ultimately led to the cutting of water supply to the Chinese embassy in Ankara. Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy On April 5, Meral Aksener, chairwoman of Turkey's opposition party, put out this tweet. #BarınKatliamı’nda Çin esaretine boyun eğmeyen Doğu Türkistanlı soydaşlarımızı, şehadetlerinin yıl dönümünde rahmetle anıyorum… Esaret altındaki soydaşlarımızı unutmayacak, uğradıkları zulümlere sessiz kalmayacağız. Doğu Türkistan bir gün mutlaka bağımsız olacak! pic.twitter.com/VoA7m1suh8 — Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) April 5, 2021 × In her tweet, she said that 'east Turkistan would become independent one day. It is reference to Xinjiang and the Baren revolution. In the year 1990, thousands of Uighurs and Turkic minorities were killed by Chinese troops. Their fault was that they rebelled against Chinese occupation, genocide, and robbing women of their babies under the one-child policy. The Baren uprising had erupted on the 5th of April, 1990. And on the 5th of April this year, another Turkish politician tweeted about it. He was Mansur Yavas, Mayor of Ankara. Doğu Türkistan'da yaşanan katliamın acısını 31 yıl geçmesine rağmen hâlâ ilk günkü gibi hissediyoruz. Barın şehitlerini rahmetle anıyorum. pic.twitter.com/eXJoUL2teC — Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) April 5, 2021 × 'although 31 years have passed, we still feel the pain of the massacre' he said This did not go down too well with china. The Chinese embassy in Ankara shot back with a tweet within 24 hours. 'The Xinjiang Uigur autonomous region is an integral part of Chinese territory. This is an internationally accepted and indisputable fact,' said the tweet. The embassy tagged both the Turkish leaders. Another tweet followed. Çin tarafı, herhangi bir kişi veya gücün Çin’in egemenliğine ve toprak bütünlüğüne herhangi bir şekilde meydan okumasına kararlılıkla karşı çıkmakta ve bunu şiddetle kınamaktadır. Çin tarafı, haklı karşılık verme hakkını saklı tutmaktadır.@meral_aksener @mansuryavas06 — Çin Büyükelçiliği Ankara/中国驻土耳其使馆 (@ChinaEmbTurkey) April 6, 2021 × 'China opposes any challenge to its sovereignty and reserves the right to a justified response,' it said. Again, the two leaders were tagged. The Chinese embassy in Ankara was threatening the mayor of the city! The tweets triggered an outrage on social media. Reports say Turkey summoned the Chinese Ambassador the very same day. The next day- the spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry openly backed the embassy's tweet 'The response of China's embassy in turkey was absolutely appropriate,' said Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson said. Here's what happened next. After the Chinese Embassy targeted the mayor of Ankara, Ankara Municipality cuts water to Chinese Embassy. pic.twitter.com/wDjjUXCJD5 — ibrahim Haskoloğlu (@haskologlu) April 7, 2021 × The Ankara municipality cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy. Experts say- this is the most public spat between china and turkey in more than a decade. Turkey is home to one of the world's largest Uighur communities, most of whom have fled the genocide in China. The people of Turkey share religious and linguistic ties with the Uighurs. While Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been silent on the genocide. The people, of Turkey, it seems, have decided to choose Human Rights.

People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence

Human rights in the US have deteriorated massively in 2020 under the rule of former US president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump.</a>

Watchdog&nbsp;group Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday that listed 15 human rights areas of concern in the US, which included the unlawful killing of civilians, right to peaceful assembly and LGBTQ rights.

The report has come at a time when the US is already struggling with racial injustice and hate, which is being countered with the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate campaigns.

“Our history is built on our Bill of Rights and the First Amendment … that guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, free speech and free expression,” said Joanne Lin, Amnesty’s national advocacy director. “But as we have seen in our own country, those rights can be placed in great peril and are often under tremendous assault, especially during times of crisis,”&nbsp;Al Jazeera quoted Lin as saying.

The report claims that the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the US hardest, has caused repeated lockdowns which led to a decline in the economy. The repeated lockdowns led to widespread job loss and an uneven government response that led to a “disproportionate and discriminatory impact on many people based on their race, socioeconomic situations and other characteristics”.

As per the report, the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected the people of colour in the US which has been caused “due to unsanitary conditions in prisons and detention where they were unable to adequately physically distance and had inadequate access to hygienic supplies”.

Amnesty has also blamed Trump for decreasing human rights in the US. “Trump administration’s broadly dismal human rights record, both at home and abroad, deteriorated further during 2020”.

It has been reported that at least 1,000 people have been killed by police firearms, of which Black people have been severely attacked. It also added that law enforcement officers committed “widespread and egregious human rights violations against people protesting about the unlawful killings of Black people and calling for police reform” during the Black Lives Matter movement.

Amnesty “documented 125 separate incidents of unlawful police violence against protesters in 40 states and Washington, DC, between 26 May and 5 June alone,” the report read.

Human rights in the US have deteriorated massively in 2020 under the rule of former US president Donald Trump. Watchdog group Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday that listed 15 human rights areas of concern in the US, which included the unlawful killing of civilians, right to peaceful assembly and LGBTQ rights.

Human rights in the US have deteriorated massively in 2020 under the rule of former US president Donald Trump. Watchdog group Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday that listed 15 human rights areas of concern in the US, which included the unlawful killing of civilians, right to peaceful assembly and LGBTQ rights. The report has come at a time when the US is already struggling with racial injustice and hate, which is being countered with the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate campaigns. “Our history is built on our Bill of Rights and the First Amendment … that guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, free speech and free expression,” said Joanne Lin, Amnesty’s national advocacy director. “But as we have seen in our own country, those rights can be placed in great peril and are often under tremendous assault, especially during times of crisis,” Al Jazeera quoted Lin as saying. The report claims that the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the US hardest, has caused repeated lockdowns which led to a decline in the economy. The repeated lockdowns led to widespread job loss and an uneven government response that led to a “disproportionate and discriminatory impact on many people based on their race, socioeconomic situations and other characteristics”. As per the report, the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected the people of colour in the US which has been caused “due to unsanitary conditions in prisons and detention where they were unable to adequately physically distance and had inadequate access to hygienic supplies”. Amnesty has also blamed Trump for decreasing human rights in the US. “Trump administration’s broadly dismal human rights record, both at home and abroad, deteriorated further during 2020”. It has been reported that at least 1,000 people have been killed by police firearms, of which Black people have been severely attacked. It also added that law enforcement officers committed “widespread and egregious human rights violations against people protesting about the unlawful killings of Black people and calling for police reform” during the Black Lives Matter movement. Amnesty “documented 125 separate incidents of unlawful police violence against protesters in 40 states and Washington, DC, between 26 May and 5 June alone,” the report read.

US human rights 'deteriorated' in 2020: Amnesty International

Secretary of State Antony Blinken described U.S rights abuses as 'challenges', while condemning fellow countries for their alleged shortcomings. What gives America the right to sit in judgement? Have human rights become a U.S monopoly?

Gravitas: Are human rights a US monopoly?

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