UN High Commissioner Criticized for Inaction on Uyghur Abuses

Campaign groups have called on the United Nations human rights chief to address documented abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. The World Uyghur Congress and Amnesty International have criticized UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk for not following up on a 2022 report suggesting potential crimes against humanity by China.

China has defended its human rights record and dismissed concerns raised by the groups at a meeting in Geneva. Despite not attending the meeting, Volker Turk, who took office in October 2022, has expressed his commitment to engaging with China regarding the report's findings.

The report from August 2022, overseen by former commissioner Michelle Bachelet, highlighted the arbitrary detention and discrimination against Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang as possible international crimes. China has consistently denied these allegations.

Prior to Turk's appointment, a motion to debate the report was rejected by mainly non-Western members of the Rights Council, a move seen as favorable to Beijing. Campaign groups like Human Rights Watch and the International Service for Human Rights have called for an update from Turk on the progress made in addressing the report's recommendations.

During the meeting, China's representative in Geneva accused certain NGOs and Western countries of spreading misinformation to hinder China's development. While countries such as the United States and Australia expressed concerns about the lack of follow-up on the report, they did not provide specific recommendations for Turk's office.

The issue of human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang remains a contentious topic at the United Nations. Campaign groups continue to push for stronger action, while China maintains its denial of the allegations. The role of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in addressing these concerns will be closely watched as efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the reported abuses continue.