September 2, 2022
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published an assessment on human rights concerns in Xinjiang on August 31. The report details credible allegations of mass abuse, detention, forced labor, and other violations committed by the Chinese government against Uyghur and Muslim communities in Xinjiang. It also notes that China’s human rights violations may constitute crimes against humanity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) highly commends the OHCHR’s decision to issue the report and expose the truth to the world despite tremendous pressure from China. MOFA also condemns the government of China for its various human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Like other members of the international community, Taiwan is seriously concerned about China’s suppression of human rights. In particular, its use of fighting terrorism and extremism as a pretext to violate the human rights of Uyghur and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region contravenes the principles of the UN Charter. Taiwan calls on the Chinese government to immediately cease its human rights violations and speedily release individuals who have been arbitrarily interned in so-called “vocational education and training centers,” prisons, and other detention facilities.
The protection and promotion of human rights is a universal value. As a nation founded on human rights, Taiwan will continue to work with countries around the world that uphold the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights to further safeguard human rights.