Recently, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) convened a panel discussion focusing on genocide prevention, with panellists from both the UN and civil society. Virginia Gamba, Acting Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention, reminded nations of their essential duty to recognise early warning signs of genocide and to take timely action. Moreover, Savita Pawnday, Executive Director of the Global Center on the Responsibility to Protect, highlighted the inconsistency of governments that spotlight Western biases while remaining silent on atrocities faced by the Rohingya, Uyghurs, and non-Arab communities in Darfur.
During the HRC meeting, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) posed questions regarding the measures the new leadership of the UN Office on the Prevention of Genocide (OSAPG) plans to undertake following a crucial 2022 ruling concerning human rights violations in the Uyghur region by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The CERD’s November 2022 decision, invoking urgent action, underscored accusations against China related to potential crimes against humanity toward Uyghurs and other Muslim groups, referencing evidence from the UN’s 2022 report on Xinjiang.
ISHR pointed out that documented violations leading to these atrocities continue to be recognised by UN bodies, as noted in the recent 2025 ILO Report. However, it was reported that the OSAPG had previously failed to act on these referrals under earlier leadership. Additionally, Pawnday remarked on the inadequate support that affected communities often receive while being shuffled between various UN offices.
ISHR also expressed apprehension concerning Thailand’s recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, stating that such acts contradict UN recommendations and significantly endanger the individuals involved. They called for accountability, stressing that escaping obligations set forth by the Council is unacceptable.
ISHR reiterated its call for the OSAPG to:
1. Include the Uyghur situation in its forthcoming annual report, accompanied by direct recommendations for China and the international community.
2. Continuously gather, monitor, and publicly disclose information concerning the ongoing situation.
3. Inform States and UN agencies about the severe human rights breaches in China through various forums and events, advocating for mechanisms to combat impunity and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The UN Human Rights Council has pushed for action regarding the Uyghur situation, following a pivotal ruling by the Committee on Racial Discrimination. Key speakers highlighted the responsibility of nations to prevent genocide, while organisations like ISHR question the OSAPG’s previous inaction. Recent deportations of Uyghurs from Thailand have raised further alarm, stressing the need for ongoing monitoring and reporting on human rights conditions.
In summary, the recent discussions at the UN Human Rights Council highlighted the urgent need for actions related to the genocide prevention and the plight of the Uyghurs. With calls for accountability and clearer recommendations for the Chinese government, organisations like ISHR and leaders such as Virginia Gamba and Savita Pawnday emphasise the importance of acting on findings from previous reports. The focus remains on providing consistent support to affected populations and affirming international obligations to prevent human rights violations.
Original Source: ishr.ch
