Israel has dropped its signature from a United Nation statement condemning China’s human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province, local media reported.
On October 21, 2021, 43 countries condemned China’s practices against Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in the Xinjiang region, in a consolidated statement at the United Nations.
The 43 countries that signed the statement are Turkey, United States, Britain, France, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden which expressed particular concern at ‘credible reports’ of the existence of ‘re-education camps’ in Xinjiang.
The move comes despite Israel having signed a declaration by the United Nations Human Rights Council in June calling on China to allow independent monitors access to the western region of Xinjiang.
According to the The Times of Israel, an Israeli diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the government had received a draft resolution beforehand but decided not to support the initiative, due to “other interests it has to balance”.
“We call on China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet and her office,” Times of Israel quoted reporting the Israel’s statement.
