Statement on the Second Anniversary of the UN Report on Human Rights in Xinjiang.

Global Affairs Canada has issued the following statement:

“Today marks two years since the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a landmark report highlighting severe human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The report documents serious abuses, including the widespread arbitrary and discriminatory detention of Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities, which may amount to international crimes, particularly crimes against humanity.

“Following the release of this report, Canada urged the Chinese government to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to address the grave concerns and recommendations outlined in the assessment.

“Two years on, China has yet to take meaningful action to address these concerns, despite continued pressure from Canada, other governments, UN experts, human rights organizations, victims’ groups, and the global Uyghur diaspora.

“Reports persist of systemic human rights violations by Chinese authorities, including the forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang and other parts of China. Religious practices, especially Islam, are heavily restricted, with mosques being particularly targeted.

“UN experts have also raised alarm over the forced placement of children into state-run residential schools in Xinjiang and other regions of China. Instead of engaging with these concerns transparently, China has denied the findings and obstructed discussions at the UN Human Rights Council.

“Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, has conveyed these concerns directly to Wang Yi, China’s Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Canada’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Jennifer May, also raised these issues with local officials during her recent visit to Xinjiang.

“Canada urges China to address the concerns raised in the UN report and to implement its recommendations without delay, including granting UN independent experts access to Xinjiang and other regions of China for thorough assessments.

“Canada will continue to collaborate with international partners to address the situation in Xinjiang and to hold the Chinese government accountable for its actions.”