Southeast Asia: Condemn China’s treatment of the Uyghurs

By Charles Santiago
APHR Chairperson
MP, Malaysia

“It is disappointing that Southeast Asian countries have been silent about the more than one million Uighurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang that the Chinese government has kept in detention under political indoctrination. They have not committed any crimes – being a Muslim or practicing any religion, for that matter, does not automatically constitute being an extremist. The massive reeducation camps are a morally unacceptable counter-terrorism strategy, and the many reports of torture which are against international human rights laws are deeply concerning. Moreover, it is disgraceful that China is actively trying to hide its surveillance and continues to deny the existence of its camps.

Unfortunately, Southeast Asian countries are reluctant to take a strong stance on China’s abuses, not least because of heavy investments in the region such as through the Belt and Road initiative. China’s close ties with rights violating countries like Cambodia is often shielding ASEAN states from international pressure. The ASEAN principle of non-interference appears to prevent countries from being vocal about matters outside of their home countries too. However, we call on Southeast Asian governments to condemn China’s serious human rights abuses and urge China to stop its brutal crackdown on Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. The ethnic cleansing campaign to eradicate the Uyghur identity must end, and independent observers must be allowed to investigate the situation in the camps.

This is not an issue which we can afford to let slide –  these are grave human rights violations that should end regardless of economic and geopolitical incentives. As muslim-majority nations and members of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Malaysia and Indonesia especially should express solidarity with its fellow Muslims by condemning China for its treatment of the Uyghurs.”