UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet today began her long-awaited six-day visit to China which will include Xinjiang, the region at the center of international criticism for complaints by activists, NGOs and UN reports on the of Beijing towards Muslim minorities, starting with the Uyghur ethnic group.
The mission, the first of its kind since 2005 by the UN agency in China, was confirmed by Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, according to whom Beijing “welcomes the arrival of High Commissioner Bachelet”.
During the visit, “Chinese leaders and heads of relevant departments will have meetings with her during visits to Guangdong and Xinjiang, and extensive exchanges with all walks of life.” The hope, Wang added, is that the mission “can further promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides and play an active role in supporting the cause of international human rights”.
The visit of the former Chilean president was the subject of criticism from activist associations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW). Although the High Commissioner previously stated that he would require “unrestricted” access to Xinjiang to conduct an “independent assessment”, the terms of his visit were not disclosed and Chinese authorities have insisted they will not allow anything else. that a “friendly visit” for the purpose of dialogue, the association complained in a statement.
Source: Ansa
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