In the past week, astonishing events that unfolded at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) put forth many questions. In this modern age, do economic considerations outweigh moral responsibility? What is the relevance of a Human Rights Council if its members cannot even debate a critical issue of rights violation that has been referred to as ‘genocide’? Which country is steering the moral compass of the world?
Despite the UN report stating that China’s treatment of its ethnic minorities in its northwestern region of Xinjiang could amount to “crimes against humanity,” 19 member countries voted not to debate the report. 11 others, including rational voices like India, abstained.
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Beijing claimed the UNHRC vote was “a victory for truth and justice.” The Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson tweeted, “Human rights must not be used as a pretext to make up lies and interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, or to contain, coerce & humiliate others.”
China has consistently blocked attempts to independently investigate or verify reports of atrocities and oppression of the minority Uyghur population. Many have fled the country and sought asylum in Turkey and other European nations. Amnesty International and others have released reports of detention camps, forced sterilization, indoctrination, and torture.
Alim Osman, president of the Uyghur Association of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, expressed severe disappointment at the development. He said, “That even a debate on the human rights situation is not allowed by few a countries which have economic ties with the Chinese regime clearly shows on the international stage that their moral obligation to defend human rights is for sale, therefore corrupting the UN itself,” he said. “The UN needs urgent reform.”
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Role Of UNHCR
UNHCR website states the council is “made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year.”
When the very international organization meant to uphold human rights fails even to conduct a debate, its role and relevance must be questioned. Just as ironic as Russia, an invader, having a seat at the Security Council, with veto power to boot, China, a known human rights violator, is a member of the UNHCR.
Why Did The Vote Fail?
The failed attempt to debate a human rights issue by a powerful country lays bare the current state of international relations and alliances. No longer is the world divided by U.S.-led or Russia-led. The nuances are constantly evolving. Governments are opting to remain neutral or provide case-based support. Like in the backing for West-led sanctions on Russia, countries put their national interests first.
With its massive Belt and Road Initiative, substantial development projects, and vaccine diplomacy, China has cultivated relationships that are paying huge dividends. Countries dependent on Beijing’s investment and infrastructure development projects are unlikely to vote against the Communist regime on matters that have little to do with them.
But, the decision by Kyiv to abstain on a U.S.-backed vote must raise the alarm. Despite Washington’s generous support and aid of the non-NATO country, Ukraine (itself a victim of another autocratic regime) did not stand with its ally. Ukraine’s decision not to facilitate a debate against China, a strong Russian supporter, raises questions about the government’s motives.
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While the episode demonstrates the ascending influence of China, it also demonstrates the waning influence of United States. For example, had the U.S. been able to sway allies like Qatar or UAE and trade partner Mexico, China would at the very least have had to discuss allegations that it has always brushed under the carpet, claiming them to be “domestic affairs.”
The forfeited debate is a missed opportunity. Worse, it is another crime against the oppressed.
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