Geneva —
China is under intense scrutiny amid strong criticism from Western democracies for its brutal treatment of Uighurs, Tibetans and dissidents in Hong Kong.
China attended the UN session with a 60-member delegation ready to parry any abuse directed at it. China's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Chen Xu, rejected accusations that China had committed serious human rights violations against the Uighur people, which could amount to crimes against humanity.
Speaking through an interpreter, Xu said China was trying hard to provide a better and happier life for everyone. He added that after eight years of continuous hard work, China had succeeded in lifting nearly 180 million people out of poverty.
“No one was left behind or left behind as China built this modern socialist country in all areas. The people of China's 56 ethnic groups are equal and united like pomegranate seeds working together for common prosperity and development and for a better life for all ,” he explained.
China's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Chen Xu (right) ahead of a review of China's human rights record by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, January 23, 2024.
The Chinese delegation also dismissed international criticism of the government's crackdown on pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong. Speaking with the help of a translator, the head of government affairs in Hong Kong, Chan Kwak-ki Eric, accused the dissidents of carrying out acts of violence, which he said threatened the peace and security of the territory.
“With the implementation of the national security law, the days of social disruption and fear are over. Stability and law and order have been restored and our city is back on the right track,” he added.
Every five years, the human rights track record of all countries will be evaluated by the Human Rights Council. This is the first review of China since 2018.
Western democracies attending the conference viewed with skepticism China's glowing reports on behalf of its people, about its achievements. They spoke frankly about their concerns.
FILE – A person stands on a tower on the perimeter of the No. 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng, west China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, April 23, 2021.
The US Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Michele Taylor, called for the release of all people arbitrarily detained, as well as an end to torture and ill-treatment throughout China. He also made several other recommendations.
“End repressive measures against women, LGBTQI+ people, laborers and migrant workers, including in Hong Kong and Macau. Give the UN unhindered and meaningful access, especially in Xinjiang and Tibet. We condemn the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and transnational oppression to silence individuals abroad,” he explained.
While delegates sparred verbally with China inside the council chamber, several human rights groups demonstrated against China's repressive policies outside the UN building. (em/lt)