Monday, October 10, 2022

Most African Countries Support China on Human Rights in Xinjiang

 The Associated Press published on 6 October 2022 an article titled "UN Rights Body Rejects Western Bid to Debate Xinjiang Abuses" by Jamey Keaten.  

The 47-member UN Human Rights Council in a victory for China voted against holding a debate on alleged human rights abuses against Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang region.  The proposal supported by the United States, Turkey, United Kingdom, and mostly western countries received 17 positive votes, 19 against, and 11 abstentions.  

Among African members, only Somalia supported the proposal while 8 countries (Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Eritrea, Gabon, Mauritania, Namibia, Senegal, and Sudan) voted against and 4 countries (Benin, Gambia, Libya, and Malawi) abstained.  

For a breakdown of the vote, see the Voice of America's 7 October 2022 "Human Rights Groups, China Voice Strong, Opposing Reactions to UN Vote" by Asim Kashgarian.