China detains 1 mn ethnic Uighurs: Reports

IANS  |  United Nations 

A UN committee has heard there were credible reports that is holding a million ethnic Uighurs in "counter-extremism centres".

She said she was concerned by reports that had "turned the Uighur autonomous region into something that resembles a massive internment camp".

has not responded to the reports. has previously denied the existence of such camps.

Its 50-strong delegation said it would address questions on Monday, when the session in continues.

The Uighurs are a Muslim ethnic minority mostly based in China's province. They make up around 45 per cent of the population there.

groups including and Watch have submitted reports to the UN committee documenting claims of mass imprisonment, in camps where inmates are forced to swear loyalty to Chinese

The World Uyghur said in a report that detainees are held indefinitely without charge, and forced to shout slogans.

It said they are poorly fed, and reports of torture are widespread.

Most inmates have never been charged with a crime, it is claimed, and do not receive legal representation.

The reports come on a day of worsening religious tensions elsewhere in China, the reported.

In Ningxia region, hundreds of Muslims engaged in a standoff with authorities on Friday to prevent their mosque from being demolished.

Officials said the newly-built had not been given proper building permits.

--IANS

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First Published: Sat, August 11 2018. 09:16 IST