UN rights chief calls for ‘unfettered access’ to China’s Xinjiang region News
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UN rights chief calls for ‘unfettered access’ to China’s Xinjiang region

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called Thursday for “unfettered access” to China’s Xinjiang region in a visit later this year.

The region has been under deep criticism for forcibly holding Muslim groups and stripping them of their Islamic heritage. Despite this, the Chinese ambassador has dismissed allegations, stating that estimated to hold around one million ethnic minorities are being held for “educational purposes.”

The aim of the visit, as expressed by Bachelet, is to “seek to analyse in-depth the human rights situation in China, including the situation of members of the Uighur minority.”

Bachelet initially asked for permission from Beijing in December 2018 for a fact finding mission, and whilst a team is preparing for her visit, Beijing has stated that it would invite officials, so long as they do not interfere with the country’s internal affairs.