China’s control over UN Rights Council sparks global alarm
Uyghur activist warns of Beijing’s influence undermining human rights oversight
GENEVA, Switzerland (MNTV) — The growing influence of China within the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is eroding its very mission, turning a watchdog for global justice into a tool for authoritarian interests.
This warning was issued by prominent Uyghur activist Dolkun Isa at the ongoing 58th session of the UNHRC, where he accused Beijing of manipulating the global human rights framework to evade accountability for its repression of Uyghur Muslims.
Isa, a former president of the World Uyghur Congress, condemned China’s strategic use of economic leverage to silence criticism at the UNHRC.
He highlighted how Beijing’s financial and political influence has suppressed investigations into alleged crimes, including the documented mass internment and persecution of Uyghur Muslims.
Citing a report from Phayul.com (Feb 27, 2025), Isa pointed to the 2022 UNHRC vote on investigating China’s alleged genocide against Uyghurs, which failed due to opposition from countries that have received Chinese economic aid.
While only 17 nations supported the resolution, 19 voted against it—many of them beneficiaries of Beijing’s financial and diplomatic incentives.
Isa also criticized the silence of Muslim-majority nations, which frequently condemn Islamophobia in Western countries but have refrained from addressing China’s harsh policies against Uyghur Muslims.
Reports have documented widespread detentions, bans on religious practices, and forced assimilation measures, including coerced marriages between Uyghur women and Han Chinese men.
“The refusal of these nations to condemn China’s actions only emboldens its continued oppression of Uyghurs,” Isa stated.
He further warned that the weakening of the UNHRC began when the United States withdrew from the body in 2018, allowing China and other authoritarian regimes to gain influence.
Now, he argues, the Council is at risk of becoming irrelevant, as powerful states use economic pressure to shield themselves from scrutiny.
Isa called on democratic nations to take concrete action to restore the UNHRC’s credibility. “Condemnation is not enough,” he asserted.
“Governments must actively support marginalized communities like the Uyghurs and Tibetans to ensure that human rights enforcement does not collapse under political pressure.”
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
