Welcoming the UN’s Cross-Regional Joint Statement on the Human Rights Situation in East Turkestan |
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October 23rd, 2021
Justice For All Canada (JFAC) strongly supports the joint action by UN member states, including Canada, regarding China’s crimes against Uighur Muslims in East Turkestan.
Peace advocates in Canada urge the UN High Commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, to release investigative findings based on the UN’s assessment.
UN member states have chosen to move towards truth and accountability for the Chinese communist government’s inhumane treatment of Uighur Muslims. This collective advance by democratic allies underscores the human rights situation in East Turkestan, calling for “immediate, meaningful and unfettered access” to the region for independent observers.
The joint statement follows up on similar concerns raised in 2019 and 2020, calling on countries to respect the principle of nonrefoulement, referring to the tens of thousands of displaced Uighur refugees around the world, who are often at risk of transnational repression.
The announcement also validated concerns raised by the UN Special Procedures in their March 29th statement and letter published by UN experts, which described “collective repression of religious and ethnic minorities.”
“This call for action is significant because it demands China to implement the CERD’s recommendations related to East Turkestan, and to respect the rule of law concerning the rights of Uighur Muslims. Once the UN High Commissioner’s assessment is released, member states must support an inquiry commission to determine next steps for justice,” recommended Executive Director Taha Ghayyur.
Michelle Bachelet previously announced in September 2021 that her office would be finalizing its assessment of the situation “with a view of making it public.”
Justice For All Canada (JFAC) strongly supports the joint action by UN member states, including Canada, regarding China’s crimes against Uighur Muslims in East Turkestan.
Peace advocates in Canada urge the UN High Commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, to release investigative findings based on the UN’s assessment.
UN member states have chosen to move towards truth and accountability for the Chinese communist government’s inhumane treatment of Uighur Muslims. This collective advance by democratic allies underscores the human rights situation in East Turkestan, calling for “immediate, meaningful and unfettered access” to the region for independent observers.
The joint statement follows up on similar concerns raised in 2019 and 2020, calling on countries to respect the principle of nonrefoulement, referring to the tens of thousands of displaced Uighur refugees around the world, who are often at risk of transnational repression.
The announcement also validated concerns raised by the UN Special Procedures in their March 29th statement and letter published by UN experts, which described “collective repression of religious and ethnic minorities.”
“This call for action is significant because it demands China to implement the CERD’s recommendations related to East Turkestan, and to respect the rule of law concerning the rights of Uighur Muslims. Once the UN High Commissioner’s assessment is released, member states must support an inquiry commission to determine next steps for justice,” recommended Executive Director Taha Ghayyur.
Michelle Bachelet previously announced in September 2021 that her office would be finalizing its assessment of the situation “with a view of making it public.”