This is the first time India has publicly spoken about the need to ensure that the rights of China’s Uighur population are not violated. The comments are intended to deter any potential criticism by Western countries that India has been soft on avoiding China. India was among 11 countries that refrained from voting on the resolution. However, he had the option to vote, which he did not exercise.
“India is committed to upholding all human rights. India’s vote is in line with its long standing position that country specific resolutions are never helpful. India favors dialogue to deal with such issues.” foreign Ministry Spokesman Arindam Bagchi,
India had already noticed this OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) reports but refrained from publicly expressing solidarity with Uighurs. The China-specific draft resolution was brought at a time when India’s ties with China remain tense due to the ongoing border conflict as well as Beijing’s refusal to allow UN sanctions on Pakistan-based terrorists.
China is facing severe criticism for its treatment Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang Province. Human rights groups believe that China has arbitrarily housed nearly one million Uighurs in camps in the name of combating religious extremism.
The OHCHR said in its report that serious human rights violations have been committed in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.Zuar) in the context of the Chinese government’s application of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategies.