China: UN human rights office reaffirms need to review national security framework
The August 31, 2022 report states that the violations took place amid the Government’s assertion that it was targeting terrorists within the Uyghur minority with a counter-extremism strategy, including the use of so-called Vocational Education and Training Centers (VETCs) or re-education camps.
Detailed discussion and dialogue
In an update to reporters, OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani speak that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and his Office had detailed discussions with the Chinese Government on important issues.
Topics include counterterrorism law and policy, criminal justice, and other policies of concern affecting the human rights of ethnic and religious minorities, including in Xinjiang and the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Issues of equality and non-discrimination, as well as national security and human rights in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were also addressed.
Ms. Shamdasani noted that a UN human rights team visited China in June and engaged in dialogue with the government, specifically on counterterrorism policies and the criminal justice system.
Review the law, investigate the allegations
“In particular, on Xinjiang, we understand that there are still many problematic laws and policies.and we have called on the authorities to once again take action. fully assess, from a human rights perspective, the legal framework governing national security and counter-terrorism and strengthen the protection of minorities against discrimination. Allegations of human rights violations, including torture, need to be fully investigated“, she said.
OHCHR hopes to continue to actively engage with the Chinese Government as well as civil society, “to seek substantive progress in protecting human rights for all in China,” she added.
The Office also continues to closely monitor the current human rights situation in the country.”despite the difficulties caused by limited access to information and fear of retaliation against individuals those who participate in the United Nations.”
“We continue to raise with the Government individual cases of particular concern, calling on the authorities to take swift steps to release all individuals arbitrarily deprived of their liberty and clarify the status and whereabouts of those whose families are seeking information,” she said.
Commitment to participate
Meanwhile, advocacy continues regarding China’s implementation of these and other recommendations from OHCHR and other human rights mechanisms.
Ms Shamdasani concluded by saying that UN human rights chief Volker Türk “Committed to long-term cooperation with the Chinese Government and protecting the rights of victims – always aiming to help improve human rights protection for local people.”
