China denounces U.N. report detailing human rights abuses of Uyghurs
PBS NewsHourDec 24, 2022
Report: China May Have Committed Crimes Against Humanity In Xinjiang
Image copyright: Getty Images [via BBC]
The Facts
On Wed., a long-awaited UN report on China's alleged abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang was released - it claims that Beijing committed "serious human rights violations."
The report – the publication of which had been opposed by China and postponed several times – came on the final day of UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet's four-year term. She had previously been criticized for allegedly delaying the report's release.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Western claims about human rights violations in Xinjiang are fabricated lies, designed to misinform public opinion and smear China This is not to say that China is a human rights paradise, but the facts are that the country has an overall positive record. By tackling religious extremism in Xinjiang, Beijing is promoting the province's development and improving the life of its Uyghur population.
Anti-China narrative
This latest report reaffirms that Beijing has been conducting crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. With its disregard for individual rights, the PRC has overseen one of modern times worst rights violations outside a war zone while justifying its actions by emphasizing economic growth. The international community, particularly the West, has a moral obligation to defend human rights, even if it means confronting Beijing.