United Nations – China and Pakistan were slammed for gross violation of human rights and the alleged mistreatment of religious minorities during a crucial meeting on the issue at the United Nations. During the UN Meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concern over the treatment of religious minorities in China and Pakistan on Saturday, August 23.

The three countries also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Shias, Hindus, Baluch and other minorities in Pakistan.

Addressing the UN meet, United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback said, “We remain deeply concerned about the Chinese government escalating widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in China. We urge the Chinese government to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone in that nation.”

Referring to China categorically, Brownback added, “Many members of religious groups in China – including ethnic Uighur, Kazakh, and other Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, and Falun Gong – face severe persecution and repression, and we call on the Chinese government to end its war on faith and to respect religious freedom for all.”

Shifting his focus on Pakistan, Brownback said, “In Pakistan, religious minorities continue to suffer from prosecution either at hands of non-state elements or through discriminatory laws and practices.”

United Kingdom Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Lord Ahmad said, ‘In Pakistan, religious minorities continue to suffer from prosecution either at hands of non-state elements or through discriminatory laws and practices.’ (Agencies)