Statement on the release of the UN OHCHR assessment of human rights concerns in the Uyghur Region
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) welcomes the long-awaited publication of the UN Office for the High Commissioner on Human Rights’ Assessment of human rights concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China (PRC).
In spite of repeated efforts by the PRC government to block, delay and smear the report, the assessment represents an important step towards accountability for the heinous abuses committed by the PRC government against the Uyghurs and other predominantly Turkic minorities in the Uyghur Region. Far from being the final word on the matter, this represents the very beginning for states who have yet to voice concern in defence of Uyghur rights.
Among other important findings, the report acknowledges that atrocity crimes may have been committed. The burden is now upon member states to ensure that formal legal determinations are pursued – and to ensure that such proceedings include the well evidenced abuses which led the United States Government, the Uyghur Tribunal and numerous democratic legislatures internationally to conclude that genocide and crimes against humanity are occurring. IPAC also calls upon businesses to remove supply chains at risk of being tainted by forced labour in the Uyghur Region, in line with their commitments to tackle modern slavery.
IPAC is resolute in its commitment to ensure that justice is served, and that the ongoing persecution of minorities in China comes to an immediate and complete end.
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