Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland
10 July 2019
A few days ago, a group of Western countries sent a politically motivated letter to the President of the UN Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, making groundless accusations against the human rights situation in China’s Xinjiang and its counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures. China is deeply dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this.
Terrorism, separatism and religious extremism has caused enormous damage to people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, which has seriously infringed upon the basic human rights, including right to life, health and development. The government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Rigion responded with counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures, including setting up vocational education and training centers to help those influenced by extremist ideology break free from its control and reintegrate into society. This has proved highly effective in improving Xinjiang’s security and protecting the basic human rights of all ethic groups there. It enjoys wholehearted support and approval of the Chinese people. In the work of counter-terrorism and deradicalization, China fully respects and protects human rights. Today, Xinjiang enjoys good development, stability, ethnic unity, and social harmony. The various rights and interests of the people are well protected. No violent or terrorist activities have occurred in Xinjiang for almost three years. People have a much stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.
At China’s invitation, groups of foreign diplomatic envoys, officials of international organizations, and media professionals have visited Xinjiang to learn about its achievements in promoting human rights and countering-terrorism and deradicalization. They have invariably concluded that what they see in Xinjiang is quite the opposite of what is presented in Western media and China’s practices in counter-terrorism and deradicalization are a good example for the international community.
Some Western countries were indifferent to Xinjiang’s suffering caused by rampant violent terrorism and extremism; yet just as the people in Xinjiang begin to live a harmonious and peaceful life, they put on a hypocritical face and jump out to make wanton remarks and inflammatory statements. They seem to be pushing for access to Xinjiang and yet are extremely anxious to avoid China’s invitation. Their hypocrisy cannot be more evident.
No slandering can taint the fact that China’s has made significant progress in the field of human rights in Xinjiang, China and the counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures have been successful. Neither can it erode the prosperity and happiness the people there enjoy. By 2020, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang will reach the goal of building a moderately prosperous society together with the rest of the Chinese people and no one will be left behind.