Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


UN Human Rights Group 'Deeply Concerned' Over China's Treatment of Uyghurs

VOA News

   A group of U.N. human rights experts says it is "deeply concerned"
   about allegations regarding China's treatment of its Muslim Uyghur
   minority.

   The Working Group on Business and Human Rights says it has "received
   information that connected over 150 domestic Chinese and foreign
   domiciled companies to serious allegations of human rights abuses
   against Uyghur workers."

   "As independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council, of which
   China is a State Member, we consider that an official visit to China
   (including the Xinjiang region) would be the ideal opportunity for such
   dialogue and to assess the situation for ourselves based on free and
   unhindered access," the group said.

   Many Chinese companies as well as private firms outside China are
   accused of using slave labor or incorporating products made with slave
   labor into their supply chains. This includes "numerous well-known
   global brands," the group said.

   The group said it "respectfully" urges China "to immediately cease any
   such measures that are not fully compliant with international law,
   norms and standards relating to human rights, including the rights of
   minorities."

   China is accused of rights violations including arbitrary detention,
   forced sterilization and use of slave labor using Uyghurs. China denies
   the allegations and says its policies in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs are
   concentrated, aim to combat Islamic extremism.

   Britain, Canada, the European Union and the United States have
   sanctioned several members of Xinjiang's political and economic power
   elite this week over the allegations of widespread human right abuses
   there.