Western nations at UNHRC indecisive about establishing commission to investigate China’s human rights abuses

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Western states are calculating whether to call for an independent commission to investigate human rights abuses against the Uyghurs by China, the Guardian reports. If established, it would test the amount of Chinese influence at the UN. 

The previous UN human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, issued a report on Human rights abuses against the Uyghurs on Aug 31st – her last day in office. 

The report exposed evidence of systemic discrimination, arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual violence.

Western leaders are still undecisive on whether to introduce a resolution to establish a commission into China at the Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Chen Xu, the Chinese ambassador to Geneva, issued a statement backed by 30 countries. He accused the UN rights office of publishing the report. He claimed the UN Human Rights office had fallen under the western influence of polarising and politicizing human rights.