UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Urges China to Review Counterterrorism Policies

Michelle Bachelet, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, who visited China, expressed concerns about the impact of China's counter-terrorism policies on the Uyghur people and urged a review in accordance with international human rights standards.

According to major foreign media, Commissioner Bachelet made these remarks during an online press conference on the last day of her visit to China on the 28th, referring to her six-day visit. She arrived in China on the 23rd, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi via video and in person respectively, and also visited the Xinjiang region.

Commissioner Bachelet stated, "I raised questions and concerns about the impact of broadly applied counter-terrorism policies and deradicalization measures on the human rights of the Uyghur and other Muslim minority groups," adding, "I also raised concerns with the Chinese government regarding the lack of independent judicial oversight, use of force, abuse, and restrictions on religious practices."

However, Commissioner Bachelet repeatedly emphasized, "This visit to China was not an investigation into human rights policies but an opportunity to communicate with the Chinese government." She also said, "The Xinjiang government assured that the network of vocational training centers, criticized as re-education camps for human rights abuses, has been dismantled."

Commissioner Bachelet further expressed serious concern about activists, lawyers, and journalists detained in Hong Kong.

Since taking office in August 2018, Commissioner Bachelet has continuously requested unrestricted access from the Chinese government to investigate the human rights situation in the Xinjiang region, but China has refused. It is reported that the Chinese government allowed Commissioner Bachelet's visit on the condition that it be a friendly visit rather than an investigative one.