The International Labour Organization has expressed deep concern over the working environment of ethnic minorities within China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The ILO’s annual report on working conditions in different countries was prepared by an expert committee.
The committee cited an international confederation trade unions in its report. It pointed out alleged forced labor by the Uyghurs as well as other ethnic and religious minorities, by the Chinese government under the guise of reeducation.
The ILO committee expressed serious concerns about the working conditions of minorities. It stated that they are forced to work by the government and local authorities, violating their right to freely choose their employment.
The committee called on the Chinese government to take concrete steps towards eliminating racial or religious discrimination in employment.
In a statement, the US State Department praised the ILO report. It reiterated its call to China to “end its genocide, crimes against humanity perpetrated on the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs as well as members of other ethnic or religious minority groups in Xinjiang as well as its use these groups for forced labour.”
The ILO report was refuted by Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He stated to reporters Monday that there are no discriminatory policies or practices in Xinjiang against ethnic minorities.
Wang stated, “Some comments or recommendations of the Committee may not be objective or fair.” He stated that the Chinese government regretted that its reply was not fully accepted and acknowledged by the Committee.
