51st Session UNHRC: Intervention by Mr. Aaron Magunna (Research Analyst EFSAS) on General Debate Item 5
29-09-2022, Geneva
Text and video of Mr. Aaron Magunna's Intervention on General Debate Item 5 (Human rights bodies and mechanisms) during the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Video of Mr. Aaron Magunna's Intervention on General Debate Item 5 during the 51st Session of the UNHRC.
"Madam Vice President,
The recent UN report on human rights concerns in Xinjiang has further added to the international focus on the region. While the report’s development and publication must be welcomed, two key issues remain.
Firstly, the report does not attribute blame to Chinese government authorities. Although the report notes that “serious human rights violations have been committed” in Xinjiang, it repeatedly states that evidence is inconclusive. These statements fail to assign responsibility and stand in disconnect with the research conducted by various other organizations. Let us be clear: state-led human rights violations are a political reality in Xinjiang.
Secondly, the report does not comment on the political intent to destroy. While it lists the abuses committed by authorities, including forced labor, systemic sexual violence, and forced sterilizations, the report does not acknowledge that these policies amount to and are driven by the intent to destroy minority cultures in Xinjiang.
Madam Vice President,
The publication of the report is crucial to encourage awareness on the conditions in Xinjiang. Future investigations, however, must go further in attributing accountability and holding relevant authorities responsible in various UN bodies, including this council. UN human rights bodies should expand their research activities in Xinjiang and exert pressure on Chinese authorities to deepen their cooperation with these investigations. Without enhanced accountability and information, the violations in Xinjiang will worsen.
Thank you".
