UN Chief’s Moral Dilemma: Condemning China’s Crimes Against Humanity

China: UN Chief Should Denounce Crimes against Humanity

Secretary-General Guterres to Attend Belt and Road Forum in Beijing

October 16, 2023 8:00AM EDT

Human Rights Watch has called upon United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to use his upcoming visit to China to press President Xi Jinping to end the Chinese authorities’ crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other serious human rights abuses in the country. Guterres is expected to attend the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on October 17 and 18, 2023, to mark the 10th anniversary of China‘s global infrastructure initiative.

This statement comes as criticism mounts against Guterres for his reluctance to publicly criticize the Chinese government for its severe and worsening repression. Since becoming secretary-general in 2017, Guterres has been hesitant to take meaningful action to address the human rights violations in Xinjiang. Human Rights Watch argues that the Belt and Road Forum provides Guterres with a crucial opportunity to endorse principles central to the United Nations and to press for justice and accountability.

Xinjiang: Crimes against Humanity

One of the main concerns raised by Human Rights Watch is the ongoing human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim communities in Xinjiang. In August 2022, the UN human rights office issued a damning report confirming allegations of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, forced labor, and other serious rights violations. The report concluded that these abuses “may constitute … crimes against humanity.” Guterres’ spokesperson at the time acknowledged the seriousness of the human rights violations and called on China to address the report’s recommendations.

Pressing for Justice and Accountability

Human Rights Watch urges Guterres to use his meetings with senior Chinese officials to advocate for the release of those arbitrarily detained, including Dr. Rahile Dawut and Ilham Tohti. Dr. Dawut, a prominent Uyghur anthropologist, has reportedly been sentenced to life in prison for an unspecified “state security” crime. Ilham Tohti, an Uyghur economist and recipient of the Sakharov Prize, is serving a life sentence for promoting dialogue between Uyghurs and Han Chinese.

In addition to pushing for justice and accountability, Guterres should work with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to ensure continued gathering of evidence and reporting on serious abuses in Xinjiang. The collaboration between the high commissioner and the secretary-general strengthens the UN‘s human rights messaging.

Belt and Road Initiative: Concerns and the Environment

Human Rights Watch highlights the need for greater transparency in China‘s Belt and Road Initiative projects. The organization points out that many projects have lacked adequate environmental and social impact assessments, consultation with local communities, and transparency. These issues have led to protests and criticism, as well as concerns about corruption, nontransparent loan agreements, and noncompetitive contracts favoring Chinese companies.

In this context, Guterres should emphasize the importance of shifting investments and projects away from fossil fuels toward green renewable sources of energy. Human Rights Watch argues that these practices are inconsistent with the basic obligations of states under international human rights law concerning a healthy and sustainable environment, an area that Guterres has made a top priority.

Editorial: The Moral Dilemma of the UN Chief

The upcoming visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to China presents a moral dilemma for the leader of the international organization. On one hand, it is crucial for Guterres to engage in constructive dialogue with one of the world’s most influential nations in order to address global challenges effectively. On the other hand, his role as the head of the United Nations requires him to prioritize and advocate for the principles of human rights, justice, and accountability.

The Chinese government’s severe repression in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses cannot be ignored or downplayed. The extensive evidence of crimes against humanity and systemic violations of human rights demands the attention of the international community, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Guterres has a unique opportunity during the Belt and Road Forum to publicly denounce these crimes against humanity and to demand accountability from the Chinese government. By doing so, he would send a clear message that the United Nations will not turn a blind eye to human rights violations regardless of the economic or political implications.

Advice: Upholding the UN‘s Responsibilities

As Human Rights Watch rightly points out, Secretary-General Guterres needs to be unequivocal in his stance for human rights and the UN‘s responsibilities. Silence or reluctance to address severe human rights abuses undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations.

Guterres must use this opportunity in China to press for justice, accountability, and transparency. He should advocate for the release of those arbitrarily detained, including intellectuals like Dr. Dawut and Ilham Tohti, who have been unjustly imprisoned for speaking out against the Chinese government’s policies. Additionally, Guterres should work closely with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure the gathering of evidence and reporting on ongoing abuses in Xinjiang.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General must stress the importance of greater transparency in China‘s Belt and Road Initiative projects and emphasize the need to shift investments toward renewable energy sources. Such efforts align with the UN‘s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

Ultimately, Guterres’ actions during this visit will reveal his commitment to human rights, justice, and his role as the leader of the United Nations. By seizing this opportunity to publicly denounce crimes against humanity and demand accountability, Guterres can demonstrate that the UN remains a force for good and a steadfast advocate for the rights and dignity of all people.

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