GENEVA: China’s human rights record was the focus of intense scrutiny by the U.N. Human Rights Council, where Beijing faced criticism from Western democratic societies over its treatment of Uyghurs, Tibetans and dissidents in Hong Kong.
The meeting marked the fourth time that China’s rights record has been examined by the council’s Universal Periodic Review procedure and the first time since former High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet issued a blistering report on China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in China’s western Xinjiang region.
The report, which Bachelet released just minutes before she left her post as high commissioner on September 1, 2022, accuses China of having committed “serious human rights violations” against the Uyghurs that might amount to crimes against humanity, allegations that China rejected then and rejects now.
“We strive to deliver a better life for all people. China sees peoples’ aspirations for a better life as the focus of our efforts,” said Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva and head of its 60-member delegation.
“No one is left out or left behind as China builds a modern socialist country in all respects. The people of all ethnic groups are equal and closely united like the seeds of the pomegranate working together for common prosperity and development and for a better life for all,” he said.
U.N. experts and human rights organizations accuse China of incarcerating more than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in so-called vocational centers and of subjecting them to systematic, widespread abuse.
Charges such as those were categorically denied by a member of China’s delegation at the council hearing Tuesday: “We respect and protect their human rights. We maintain Xinjiang’s social stability. We guarantee their right to life.”
The official said, “In Xinjiang, we combat terrorism according to the law. For seven years there have been no cases of violence and terror. The society enjoys stability and a good life.”
China’s delegation also dismissed international criticism of the government’s harsh crackdown on pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong since its takeover of the territory.
“Since the establishment of Hong Kong’s special administrative region in 1997, the principle of one country, two systems has been the cornerstone of our prosperity and stability,” said Chan Kwak-ki Eric, chief secretary for administration, Hong Kong.
He accused pro-democracy forces of violent, chaotic behavior. “With the implementation of the national security law, the days of social disturbance and fear are over. Stability as well as law and order has been restored and our city is back on track,” he said.
(VOA)
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