R2P Dispatch May 2021 - Canadian Centre for the Responsibility ...
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R2P Dispatch
May 2021
Authors/Auteurs:
Fernanda Bernardo, Rebeca Ancer, Angela Liu, Georgia Sayers, Grace
Vollers, Leena Badri, Lougein Metwally, Paranjay Sahanii, Samantha
Quadros, Sumayyah Shah, Saarah Khan, Sarah Weiner, Victoria Liu, Keah
Sharma, Francisca Carvalho, Anna Ivanova, Xin Han, Leo Viscomi, Andrea
Sanchez
May 2021
Table of Contents
Arabic Division 2
Syria
Chinese Division 10
Xinjiang Region
English Division 22
Myanmar
French Division 33
The Sahel Region
Russian Division 51
North Korea
Spanish Division 57
Latin America
Bibliography 76
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in articles are solely those of the authors and
do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to
Protect.
Dégagement de responsabilités: les opinions exprimées dans les articles suivants sont celles
des auteurs. Elles ne sont pas représentatives des opinions du Canadian Centre for the
Responsibility to Protect.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 1
May 2021
Syria
Highlights:
Soldiers of the regime forces raise the victory sign next to the flag in Tal Al-Hara, on top of a hill in the
Southwestern province of Daraa. ©AFP
1. “ قتلى مدنيين وعسكريين في درعا والقنيطرة بعمليات متفرقة7 ..بينهم طفل,” (“Including a child…
7 civilians and soldiers were killed in Daraa and Quintera, in separate
operations”). Enaab Baladi.
According to reports published by a Syrian non-profit media organization, several
individuals have recently been killed in Syria by attacks ranging from direct gunfire to
explosions. The report highlights that many of the recent deaths in the Syrian cities of Daraa
and Quintera have been assassinations of either Syrian government forces or the opposition’s
forces. Assassinations of military personnel have likely increased due to persistent fighting
for territorial ownership of the two aforementioned areas. However, military personnel are
not the only ones affected, with civilian deaths also increasing in these regions. This
demonstrates that Syrian civilians continue to be caught in the crossfire between government
forces and the opposition. Of particular concern is the death of a child who was killed when a
device exploded on the side of the road in the northern countryside of Daraa. Ultimately,
these events highlight that fighting in Syria continues to contribute to a rising civilian death
toll.
The ten year Syrian Civil War continues to generate civilian deaths. As previously
mentioned, civilians are often caught in the crossfire between opposition forces and Syrian
government forces. However, the Syrian government has notably been accused of targeting
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 2
May 2021
civilians as a military strategy. With Syrian government forces being responsible for over
150,000 civilian deaths, their complicity in civilian suffering remains an international issue.1
Additionally, the evidence presented by humanitarian agencies indicates that the Syrian
government is in fact murdering civilians.2 This constitutes a crime against humanity, thus,
any coercive action against the Syrian government is sanctioned under R2P.3
2. “ سنوات من الحرب10 أزمة الالجئين والنازحين السوريين بعد..باألرقام,” (“In numbers. The
Syrian refugee and displacement crisis after 10 years of war”). CNN Arabic.
For the past ten years, the Syrian Civil War has marked itself as one of the worst
humanitarian crises of this era. Statistics collected by the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR) have shown that this long drawn out war has resulted in 5.5 million
Syrians having to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. This statistic is particularly alarming
since approximately 66% of all Syrian refugees are women and children. The UNHCR’s
research also indicates that conditions for refugees often do not improve after they escape the
war, with 1.8 million refugees having to reside in refugee camps with poor conditions. These
statistics outline that the situation in Syria remains dire and continues to constitute a serious
humanitarian crisis.
1
Why Has the Syrian War Lasted 10 Years?,” BBC News, accessed 16 March 2021,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35806229.
2
Why Has the Syrian War Lasted 10 Years?,” BBC News, accessed 16 March 2021,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35806229.
3
International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect RtoP Toolkit on the Responsibility to Protect. (New
York: International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, n.d.), 16
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 3
May 2021
A family of Syrian refugees. ©Sean Gallup/ Getty Images
3. “ يجب عدم إجبار المئات من الالجئين السوريين على العودة إلى منطقة الحرب السورية بشكل غ:الدنمارك
قانوني,” (“Denmark: Hundreds of Syrian refugees must not be forced to return to
the Syrian war zone illegally”). Amnesty International.
The article from Amnesty International describes the precarious and dangerous
situation that hundreds of Syrian refugees in Denmark face, as they have been stripped of
their residency permits and await ruling to determine whether they will be forced to return to
Syria. The Danish Immigration Services has informed the refugees that if the government
considers Damascus and the neighboring cities to be safe, they will be forced to return.
Between January 2020 and April 2021, Denmark revoked the residency permits of at least
380 refugees, who were then forced to return to the identified ‘safe’ regions in Syria. 4
According to Amnesty International sources, 39 Syrians have received a final
decision, and are at risk of returning to Syria once Denmark re-establishes diplomatic
relations with Damascus. While Syrian refugees await the government’ decision, their
temporary protection status and residency permits have been revoked. Although their
expulsion is not yet official, removing their permits and protection status offers them no
defence and freedom when awaiting for the final ruling. Niels Muznex, the Director of
Amnesty International’s Europe Program states that, while they await their deportation, these
Syrian refugees are being transferred and held in ‘return centers.’ People inside return centers
face a myriad of constrictions. They are unable to work, continue their education, or receive
4
“Denmark: Hundreds of Syrian refugees must not be forced to return to the Syrian war zone illegally”,
Amnesty International, April 23, 2021.
https://www.amnesty.org/ar/latest/news/2021/04/denmark-hundreds-of-refugees-must-not-be-illegally-forced-ba
ck-to-syrian-warzone/
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 4
May 2021
government benefits. Coupled with an unidentified waiting period, these constrictions pose
serious disadvantages for Syrian refugees who require social and financial assistance.5
Lastly, the article explains how upon their return to Damascus and areas controlled by
the Syrian government, civilians must undergo a rigorous ‘security clearance’ that involves
intense interrogation by Syrian forces, with the process possibly including the use of torture,
extrajudicial executions, and enforced disappearances- making the return to Damascus
dangerous and volatile. The case of the Syrian refugees in Denmark, invokes R2P, as the
deportation and forcible transfer of populations constitute crimes against humanity under the
Rome Statute.6 Furthermore, the discriminant conditions of ‘return’ centers, and the unsafe
entry into Damascus, also poses a threat to the lives of the affected Syrians. Ultimately, the
return to Syria is categorically unsafe, and in order to prevent any further displacement and
suffering, immediate intervention is required.
5
Ibid.
6
International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect RtoP Toolkit on the Responsibility to Protect. (New
York: International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, n.d.), 16
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 5
May 2021
Syrian refugees in a camp on the border with Turkey. ©Getty Images
4. “ مليون سوري يعانون من انعدام األمن الغذائي12.4 :األمم المتحدة,” (“United Nations: 12.4
million Syrians are food insecure”). Al-Jazeera Arabic.
This article from Al-Jazeera, explains how the issue of food insecurity has only
worsened in Syria, due to the coupling effect of Covid-19 and a falling currency rate. The
World Food Program states that food prices across Syria in early 2021, are 33 times higher
than the average of the past five years.The country’s descent into constant war and political
volatility, has severely impacted its economic stability and has made access to even the most
basic necessities increasingly difficult and unattainable for the average Syrian citizen. The
United Nations World Food Program stated that more than 12 million citizens struggle to find
enough food, meaning that 60% of the population suffers from food insecurity. These
numbers represent a sharp increase of over 9 million people, since May of 2020.7
This dramatic increase signifies a deteriorating condition which continues to threaten
thousands of people each day. Furthermore, the economic crisis in neighboring Lebanon has
decreased the amount of foreign currency in Syria, which has only meant more economic
strain for the country. This has directly impacted the citizens, who continue to slide more and
more into poverty and food insecurity each day. UN Spokesperson Hariella Lawson explains
that the food insecurity crisis means that many of Syrian citizens depend entirely on
humanitarian aid to survive. This condition is unsustainable and poses serious risks to the
health and livability of citizens. The Damascus government has proven unable to rectify the
7
“United Nations: 12.4 million Syrians are food insecure” Al-Jazeera Arabic, February 13, 2021.
https://www.aljazeera.net/news/politics/2021/2/13/يعانو-سوري-مليون-4-12-المتحدة-األمم
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 6
May 2021
situation, and the crisis only worsens by the day. The food insecurity crisis is a continuous
threat to the lives of the citizens, and thus, constitutes a crime against humanity. The R2P
codification of crimes against humanity includes great suffering and serious harm to the body,
which are both aspects that are clearly present in this case and highlighted in the article.8
5. من هم ولماذا؟.. شخصيات بارزة في نظام األسد6 بريطانيا تفرض عقوبات على,” (“Britain imposed
sanctions on six prominent members of the Assad regime… who are they? And
why?”). CNN Arabic.
The British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced that the United Kingdom
would be imposing a travel ban and an asset freeze on six members of the Bashar Al Assad
regime. According to Mr. Raab, these individuals have been sanctioned because they “are
part of a regime or support a regime that is responsible for suppressing the Syrian people or
benefitting from their suffering for 10 years.” Additionally, the United Kingdom appears to
be using this as a strategy to involve the Assad regime in a UN-sanctioned peace process for
the Syrian Civil War. However, Mr. Raab has specifically highlighted that the Assad regime
must stop perpetrating crimes against the Syrian population in order for the peace process to
be successful. Thus, the United Kingdom continues to stress that the Assad regime must take
responsibility for any crimes against humanity or war crimes it has committed during the
Syrian Civil War.
The United Kingdom’s sanctions on the Assad regime are not an unusual occurrence.
In the past ten years of civil war, the Assad regime has been accused of targeting civilians by
various parties.9 In fact, research by humanitarian agencies has shown that the vast majority
of civilian deaths in the Syrian war have been perpetrated by the Syrian government.10 Under
international law, the act of targeting civilians in a war is a crime against humanity.
Moreover, the responsibility to protect principle sanctions coercive action against any party
that has knowingly targeted civilians in a military attack.11 Thus, the actions taken by the
Syrian government constitute grave crimes under international law that warrant sanctions.
8
International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect RtoP Toolkit on the Responsibility to Protect. (New
York: International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, n.d.), 16
9
Why Has the Syrian War Lasted 10 Years?,” BBC News, accessed 16 March 2021,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35806229.
10
“Why Has the Syrian War Lasted 10 Years?,” BBC News, accessed 16 March 2021,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35806229.
11
International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect RtoP Toolkit on the Responsibility to Protect. (New
York: International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, n.d.), 16
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 7
May 2021
6. “ طرفا سوريًّا بانتهاك حقوق الطفل32 غوتيريش يتهم..“( ”قتل وخطف وتعذيب وتجنيدKilling,
kidnapping, torture and recruitment…Guterres accuses 32 Syrian parties of
violating children’s rights”). Al-Jazeera Arabic.
The Al-Jazeera article highlights comments made by UN Secretary General Antonio
Guterres, as he accused 32 parties involved in the conflict in Syria, of committing serious
human rights violations against children. These aforementioned violations include murder,
forced conscription, enforced disappearance, torture, and kidnapping. Guterres presented
these findings in a report to the UN Security Council on May 19th, 2021. In the report he
revealed that the United Nations had verified the killing of over 1,500 children. These
incidents were reported by 12 governorates in areas of conflict such as Idlib, Aleppo, and
Deir Ezzor. The violence inflicted upon children in conflict-ridden areas in Syria, are serious
human rights violations that require immediate attention. When children become coerced or
forced into fighting and war-related atrocities, their physical and psychological suffer
severely. This further perpetuates the cycle of violence in Syria and has lasting effects on an
individual and societal level.12
Guterres stated that the recruitment and use of children in fighting continues to be a
major factor in their continued harm. Since the start of the war in Syria, children under the
age of 18 have been recruited by armed groups. There were over 800 cases of child
recruitment uncovered in 2019, and 312 cases in the first half of 2021 alone. Over 70% of
these cases were confirmed in the northwestern part of Syria, in heavy-conflict areas such as
Idlib, Aleppo, and Hama. At the end of his report, Guterres urged parties to abide by their
obligations under international law, and to mobilize in order to prevent further harm of Syrian
children. The Secretary General’s findings clearly invoke R2P, as children in Syria remain
subject to serious human rights violations which can fall under the scope of enslavement,
imprisonment, and inhumane acts. All violations constitute crimes against humanity under
the Rome Statute.13
12
“Killing, kidnapping, torture and recruitment…Guterres accuses 32 Syrian parties of violating children’s
rights” , Al Jazeera Arabic, May 20th, 2021.
https://www.aljazeera.net/news/humanrights/2021/5/20/في-طرفا-32-يتهم-غوتيريش-وتعذيب-وخطف-قتل
13
International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect RtoP Toolkit on the Responsibility to Protect. (New
York: International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, n.d.), 16
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 8
May 2021
7. “ مقتل ستة مدنيين في قصف مدفعي لقوات النظام طال مستشفى مدينة األتارب:سوريا,” (“Syria: six
civilians were killed in artillery shelling of the regime forces on Atarib city
hospital”). France 24.
The France 24 article explains how the Syrian government has violated the ceasefire
agreement, as they bombed the city of Arateb in Aleppo, killing at least six civilians and
wounding over ten others. Since March 6th, 2021, a ceasefire, between Russia and Turkey, has
come into effect in the conflict-ridden area of Idlib – the last area in Syria held by
anti-government forces. The Syrian observatory for Human Rights reported that the shells fell
on al-Madaniya hospital, resulting in a significant amount of destruction, including the death
of a child and hospital worker. Furthermore, it is reported that the hospital infrastructure
suffered significant damage to several areas such as the entrance and waiting rooms.14
The article explains that since hospitals have been a frequent target for bombing,
many medical facilities have been set up in remote or underground areas to avoid attacks. The
attacked area houses more than a million displaced people, who were forced out of their
homes. However, the repeated violation of the ceasefire makes the area extremely dangerous,
which makes the existence of medical facilities such as hospitals crucial. The article goes on
to detail the frequency of attacks on hospitals in northwest Syria. The World Health
Organization reported over 330 attacks on medical facilities between 2016 and 2019. The
article also notes that over 70 percent of healthcare workers have fled during the years of
conflict, and that over 50 percent of Syria’s health infrastructure has been destroyed. The
bombing of a hospital constitutes a war crime, as does the targeting of innocent civilians.
Furthermore, the continued suffering of Syrian people in Idlib, and their lack of access to
medical assistance, constitutes a crime against humanity, as they remain subject to continued
physical harm.15 All these concerns invoke R2P, as the Syrian government has clearly failed
to abide by the first pillar. Without international intervention, the lives of Syrians continue to
be in constant danger.
Further reading:
1. “Why has the Syrian War lasted 10 years,” BBC News. March 12, 2021. (English)
2. “Having won Syria’s War, al-Assad is Mired in Economic Woes,” The New York
Times. February 24, 2021. (English)
14
“Syria: six civilians were killed in artillery shelling of the regime forces on Atarib city hospital”, France 24,
March 21, 2021.
https://www.france24.com/ar/ا-مدينة-مستشفى-طال-النظام-لقوات-مدفعي-قصف-في-مدنيين-5-مقتل-سوريا-20210321/األوسط-الشرق
ألتارب
15
International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect RtoP Toolkit on the Responsibility to Protect. (New
York: International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, n.d.), 16
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 9May 2021
Xinjiang
Highlights
1. “破碎的心, 幻灭的生活:,” (“Broken heart, desperate life”). Amnesty
International.
A picture of Uyghur children being taught the Communists’ songs. ©Amnesty International
Since 2014, China has escalated control over the region under the guise of fighting a
war against extremist beliefs and terrorism. Some parents thought the repression will only be
temporary. However, they later realized that they could no longer return to Xinjiang; they
were extremely likely to be put into political re-education camps upon arrival. When their
relatives were put into camps, the parents lost contact with their children. The following
paragraph presents findings from the Amnesty International.
Mihriban Kader and her husband Ablikim Memtinin escaped to Italy in 2016 due to
the political pressure, while their two kids remained with the grandparents. However, during
an intrusive police interrogation with the family, Mihiriban’s mother was imprisoned and her
father was hospitalized. Moreover, despite attempts by Mihriban to apply for Italian visas for
her children, they were forcibly placed in an orphanage by the local Xinjiang police.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 10May 2021
Similarly, a book owner named Omer Faruh in Istanbul received a call from his wife, who
informed him that the police had revoked their passports. This forced Faruh and his wife to
leave Xinjiang with their two older children. Thus, leaving young children behind. Omer and
his family are only one of the thousands of families separated. He said “ in the past 1594
days, we haven’t heard our daughters’ voices. I am willing to sacrifice everything for my
children, including my life”.16
The Chinese government’s persecutions have severely violated the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, which was ratified by the government in 1992. According to article 9.1,
the state must ensure that children are not separated from their family against their will,
except when doing this is in the child’s best interest.17 The OHCHR has confirmed that if
families cannot be reunited in China for various reasons, other countries have responsibilities
to assist this process. Even when children are put into orphanages, parents have the right to
know their children’s circumstances. It is advised that China take an active and humane
approach to ensure families’ reunification as soon as possible.
16
“Broken heart, desperate life.” Amnesty International, accessed May, 16, 2021.
https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/ASA1737982021CHINESE.PDF
17
“Convention on the rights of the child.” United Nations Human Rights, accessed May,16, 2021.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 11May 2021
2. “新疆：中国如何镇压维吾尔族伊玛目,” (“How does China control Uyghurs”).
BBC.
A Muslim attending the prayer in the morning. ©BBC News File Photo
An Imam is a religious leader that facilitates prayers. Since 2014, China has
imprisoned at least 630 Imam in Xinjiang. According to the Uyghur human rights project, 18
religious leaders died during the custody or shortly after their release. The charges they faced
include the spread of extremist beliefs and disruption of national security. From 630 cases, at
least 304 people were sent to prisons or political re-education camps. 96% of individuals
were sentenced 5 years and 26% faced more than twenty years of imprisonment. It is
estimated that China has detained more than a million Uyghurs, who were subject to forced
labour, sterilization, and rape. More significantly, the officials have scarce evidence of
charges against Imams. In Oken Mahmet’s case, he was arrested after leading a prayer and
wedding. His official charge was the breach of national law by reading marriage vows,
educating youths and public governance. Another example is Abidin Ayup, a well known
scholar and Imam. He was arrested due a few statements made during a Han ethnic officer’s
trial. His family has told the BBC that Abidin is a kind, earnest, and generous person, who
always encourages youth to learn a wide range of knowledge. Since Abidin’s arrest, nearly 60
members of his family have been detained. The real purpose behind arresting Imams is due to
their influence in the local communities. Imam are the most charismatic leaders in Xinjiang,
who faced the greatest pressure to either show loyalty to the Chinese Communist party or
face life-threatening consequences.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 12May 2021
A Chinese police officer guards the road near a “reeducation” camp in Yining, Xinjiang, September 4, 2018.
©2018 Thomas Peter/Reuters
3. “中国对维吾尔人及其他突裔厥穆斯林的危害人类罪行| HRW,” (“Break their
lineage, break their roots”). Human rights watch.
Since 2014, the Chinese government has initiated the “strike hard campaign against
violent terrorism” in Xinjiang region against the Ughurs. The Stanford Law school has
identified the atrocities as crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court (ICC). Crimes against humanity is defined as a “widespread or
systematic attack against any civilian population”.18 Widespread accounts for a large number
of victims. Systematic means there is a methodological way that the persecutions were
carried out. Crimes against humanity are the most severe human rights violations. The
specific abuses in Xinjiang includes kidnaps, torture, murder, grave injury to mental and
physical health, especially forced labour and sexual violence. The Chinese government’s
persecution of Uyghurs has detained up to a million people in 300-400 facilities, which were
known as political education camps. The United States, Canada and Netherlands have
confirmed that the repression of Ughurs constitutes as genocide under the international law.
According to official records, in 2017, arrests in Xinjiang made up almost 21% of all arrests,
despite Xinjiang population being only 1.5% of the total population. The state’s intrusive
techniques include the “becoming families' surveillance and education campaigns. Officers
would directly live in Ugyhur’s homes to “promote ethnic unity”.19
The international community has increased their monitoring of the Uyghur’s situation.
In 2019, two dozen governments requested the UN’s high commissioner for human rights to
investigate persecutions in Xinjiang. China responded by coordinating a letter that was signed
by 50 countries, which includes Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and other
18
“Break their lineage, break their roots.” Human rights watch, Accessed May,15, 2021.
https://www.hrw.org/zh-hans/report/2021/04/19/378448
19
“Break their lineage, break their roots.” Human rights watch, Accessed May,15, 2021.
https://www.hrw.org/zh-hans/report/2021/04/19/378448
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 13May 2021
nations with human rights abuses' records. Historically, when a state is unwilling or incapable
of ending human rights violations, the ICC could assume jurisdiction if the UN security
council passed the resolution. However, China’s veto power has prevented the investigation
from happening. One method is to initiate a United Nations commission of inquiry (COI) to
investigate crimes in Xinjiang. This can be established by the UN human rights council,
which does not give China veto power. The COI can conduct reliable research and make
pragmatic recommendations. The world should and can do more to uphold R2P. and protect
the rights of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 14May 2021
4. “讨论: 中国汉人了解的新疆是真实的新疆吗?,” (“Discussion: Is the Xinjiang
that Han Chinese know the real Xinjiang?”). Radio Free Asia.
In the early 1980s, Hu Yaobang, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP), had granted ethnic autonomy to regional autonomous areas in managing their affairs.
However, under Deng Xiaoping’s administration, this policy was reversed as the central
government was concerned with the potential border instability. After the 1990s, the Chinese
government started to make a cultural distinction between Xinjiang and the mainland,
asserting that Xinjiang represented backwardness, while other regions represented civilization
and advanced, thereby differentiating Xinjiang from mainland China. The 9/11 event in 2001
prompted the Chinese government to stigmatize some Xinjiang organizations by labelling
them as terrorists and separatists.
This article sets forth the core issues existing in Xinjiang, in particular the Chinese
government’s stigmatization of Xinjiang and other minorities, claiming terrorism has
destabilized the region and bringing violence. In May 2014, the Chinese government
launched the “Strike Hard Campaign against Violent Terrorism” in Xinjiang. Under the
shadow of this movement are the crimes against humanity against the Uyghur Muslim
population, which manifest themselves as forced labor, “political education camps”, and
intensive surveillance from the central government in Xinjiang. Under the Rome Statute of
the International Criminal Court (ICC), committing part of a widespread or systematic attack
against any civilian population is considered as crimes against humanity, which are among
the gravest human rights abuses under international law.20 The international community,
consisting of Canada, the United States, Netherland, and many other countries, has
determined that China’s actions in Xinjiang potentially constitute genocide, while some
human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have not documented the
existence of necessary genocidal intent.21 Therefore, the principle of Responsibility to Protect
(R2P) has not been implemented in Xinjiang due to the lack of evidence, and China’s
rejection of alleged human rights crimes. Investigations from regional and international
human rights institutions as well as global reporters are still being conducted.
20
Thomas Peter. “Break Their Lineage, Break Their Roots,” Human Rights Watch, accessed May 22, 2021,
https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/04/19/break-their-lineage-break-their-roots/chinas-crimes-against-humanity-tar
geting.
21
Thomas Peter. “Break Their Lineage, Break Their Roots,” Human Rights Watch, accessed May 22, 2021,
https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/04/19/break-their-lineage-break-their-roots/chinas-crimes-against-humanity-tar
geting
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 15May 2021
5. “从强迫劳动到种族灭绝, 新疆问题继续引起全球关注,” (“From forced labor to
genocide, the Xinjiang issue continues to attract global attention”). Voice of
America.
The issue of forced labor of Uyghur people in Xinjiang, China has attracted massive
international attention in recent years. The international society has urged investigators to
visit Xinjiang and to conduct in-field research in order to confirm whether human rights
abuses against Uyghur people exist or not. Yet, despite China ostensibly welcoming
foreigners to “walk and take a look,” the Chinese government is in fact using various excuses
to deny officials from other countries to visit Xinjiang. An American think tank has assessed
the Chinese authorities’ persecution of Uyghurs as violating the UN Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, and asserted that China should assume national
responsibility for its genocidal actions. In contrast, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs
Wang Yi has recently refuted claims about genocide in Xinjiang, saying that it is “absurd and
absolutely ulterior rumors and outright lies.” While at the same time, the Chinese government
is preventing the leakage of any relevant information on the situation.
The principle of R2P has not been implemented in Xinjiang primarily due to the lack
of evidence and the still ongoing investigation. The case of Xinjiang has not satisfied either
one of the 3 pillars of R2P. In April, Human Rights Watch and other human rights
organizations urged the UN Human RIghts Council to create a commission inquiry to
investigate allegations of crimes against humanity and other abuses in Xinjiang.22 They also
urged the UN high commissioner to monitor and report on the human rights situation in
Xinjiang and keep them regularly informed.23
22
“UN: Government Should Urge Xinjiang Inquiry,” Human Rights Watch, May 12, 2021,
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/12/un-governments-should-urge-xinjiang-inquiry
23
“UN: Government Should Urge Xinjiang Inquiry,” Human Rights Watch, May 12, 2021,
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/12/un-governments-should-urge-xinjiang-inquiry
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 16May 2021
6. “新疆维吾尔自治区在京第六场涉疆问题新闻发布会实录,” (“Transcript of the
6th Xinjiang-related press conference held by Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous
Region in Beijing”). China’s Embassy in Korea.
There is an increasing number of reports and accusations about human rights violations in Xinjiang. However,
Beiijing continues to claim that accusations are false. ©AFP/G, Baker
On April 2 nd, 2021, The Chinese Foreign Correspondent Press Center of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs held the 6 th Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues, which sought to
clarify the misunderstandings and accusations from the international community against
China on human rights issues in Xinjiang. Xu Guixiang, the spokesperson of the People’s
Government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, made a keynote speech. He rebuked
that some countries had manifested collective “failure”, collective “irrationality”, collective
“amnesia”, and collective “dementia” in treating the Xinjiang issue. The spokesperson of the
People’s Government of the Autonomous Region, Yilijiang Anayiti, further declared that
Xinjiang-related issues are not human rights, ethnic, or religious issues at all, but are
anti-violence, de-radicalization, and anti-separatism issues, and it is totally absurd to say
there is “genocide” in Xinjiang. Instead, it is those Western countries who are engaging in
political manipulation under the guise of “human rights” in attempt to deliberately create the
so-called genocide issue, with a goal to hinder China’s development and growth.
The Xinjiang issue is one of the most controversial political issues which has attracted
significant international attention and scholarly debate. In terms of international opinions, it is
clear that there is a divide towards human rights issues in Xinjiang. While the Western
countries are actively criticizing it as human rights violation and genocide, many countries
expressed their support to China’s stance. At the 44th session of the United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva, Belarus, on behalf of 46 countries, delivered a
joint speech, praising China’s achievements on the development of human rights in Xinjiang
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 17May 2021
as well as its achievements on combating terrorism.24 The Cuban representative urged
relevant parties to abide by the principles of the UN Charter and to stop using
Xinjiang-related issues to interfere with China’s internal affairs out of political purposes.
7. “美关切新疆再教育营妇女遭系统性轮暴指控,” (“U.S. Concerned about
Xinjiang Re-education Camps Being Accused of Systemic Sexual Violence”).
Deutsche Welle (DW) Chinese Channel.
On February 02, 2021, the U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price,
representing the United States of America, voiced extreme disturbances about reports and
first-hand testimonies that allege that Uighurs and other Muslims were experienceing
systematic rape and sexual abuse at Xinjiang detention camps. This report was released by
BBC news on February 02, 202125. Ziawudun has been released from the camp and currently
lives in the United States as a refugee. According to her testimony, she and her husband
returned to Xinjiang at the end of 2016 after spending 5 years in Kazakhstan. Upon arrival,
the two were interrogated and their passports were confiscated. A few months later, the police
brought them to meet some other Uyghurs and Kazakhs, where the entire group was
subsequently detained. In the beginning, her treatment was not terrible as she was offered
access to mobile devices and appetizing food. However, her husband was released one month
later to work in Kazakhstan while she was told to stay behind. She was first raped in May
2018 when she and her friend were taken out of their cell by several male guards. Details of
the torturing and raping were also included in the testimony and the report. During the day,
according to Ziawudun, they were told to read, watch and memorize patriotic materials and
propaganda about Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China intends to detain relatives in order to threaten and silence people from telling
the outside world about the re-education camps. BBC news also reported that it is indeed
difficult to independently verify the testimonies because of censorship in China with regard
to the Xinjiang genocide, however documents people provided appeared to be consistent with
the description of the Xinyuan County (Kunes County in Uyghur) camp from the satellite
images (including positions of cameras and other details) analyzed by the BBC. Descriptions
of daily schedule in the camp, as well as the nature and methods of abuse (including four
kinds of electric shocks-chairs, gloves, helmets, and anal rape with an electric bouton), are
consistent among all detainees. Despite China’s strong stance on insisting the false
accusations, the BBC report evoked repercussions from all walks of life, and once again
raised questions about the existence, and the level of seriousness of Xinjiang re-education
camps.
24
“More than 40 countries made a joint speech at the Human Rights Council in support of China’s position in
Xinjiang,” China Youth Net, July 2, 2020,
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1671057920000377536&wfr=spider&for=pc
25
Hill Matthew, Campanale David, Gunter Joel. “'Their goal is to destroy everyone': Uighur camp detainees
allege systematic rape” BBC, accessed [05] [23], [2021],
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55794071
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 18May 2021
8. “新疆再教育营亲历者：殴打是家常便饭,” (“Personal experience from three
survivors of Chinese Re-education Camp: torturing and beating are common”).
Radio Free Asia.
On September 20, the Uyghur Language Department of the Taiwanese Department of
the Uyghur Department broadcasted an interview video publicly for the first time at the
National Foundation for Democracy in Washington, USA. The interview is conducted by a
reporter from the Uyghur Language Department of Radio Free Asia who went to Turkey for
three Uyghurs who claimed they had been detained in “Xinjiang re-educational camp” and
then exiled to Turkey. The three survivors accused China's so-called re-education schools for
using various violent methods against ordinary Uyghurs. Reasoning that they fear for their
family members who still live in Xinjiang being harmed, two of the interviewees did not
disclose their names and appearances. The interviewee reported to the journalist that the place
was a prison --- she was tied on the chair for the first two days of entering and was not
allowed to sleep. The guards are heavily armed, including an equipped electric bouton. One
of the interviewees stated that he recognized many faces of the detainees in the camps ---
some were relatives, childhood friends or his neighbours. They had to sing songs
complimenting the President every day. If their performance was deemed not satisfactory,
they would get punished. The punishment and torturing took place often.
According to Radio Free Asia, estimates were made by human rights organizations to
conclude that there are currently about one million Uighurs detained in various so-called
re-education centers or schools. They have no freedom and are forced to study propaganda
and CCP documents as they were told that they were sick and needed treatment, both
physically and mentally. They needed to learn from the Chinese, to learn Chinese language,
Chinese songs and books. Most detention centers are set up by the local government branches
and guarded by armed police. The Chinese government denies the existence of re-education
camps in Xinjiang, claiming they are vocational education centers built to provide training for
Uighurs who cannot find jobs locally.
9. “那是学校，不是集中营”—— 巴基斯坦记者新疆教培中心见闻,” (“It’s a
campus, not a camp”: Pakistani journalist shares stories of real Xinjiang
vocational training centres”). People’s Daily.
Muhammad Asghar, the China correspondent of the Pakistan Associated News
Agency, was invited to vist the Chinese vocational camps and was interviewed by People's
Daily. Asghar, along with four other journalists from the UK, Russia, Kazakhstan and
Indonesia, visited two centres in Hotan. The centre he saw resembled a university campus
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 19May 2021
and had large dormitory buildings that accommodated two trainees within each room. Talking
to some Uyghur trainees who were previously influenced by religious extremism or
unemployed due to a lack of skills, Asghar learned that they had joined the training program
voluntarily in an effort to build better lives for themselves. The visitors spoke to many
random trainees in the camp, listening to them talking about their personal experience prior
and after joining the camp. The trainees were offered free courses covering many fields,
including culinary, arts, stylistic courses including barbering and make-up, language courses,
courses about religion and law. According to Asghar, the centres appeared to have a pleasant
environment and seemed to provide ethnic minorities with many benefits. As a professional
journalist, Asghar believes that delivering factual reports on Xinjiang’s current situation is the
best way to help the world with understanding the development of this once poor and
crime-stricken region. “The Chinese government has offered chances for journalists
worldwide to enter the vocational centres and other places in Xinjiang,” said Asghar, “…the
organizers who accompanied me on my trip did not even once interfere with my interviews
with the trainees.” He suggested that Western media should come to Xinjiang to see what is
really happening there if they have any doubts and questions.
This report is published by People’s Daily, a highly regulated governmental
newspaper agency under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, the founding and sole
governing political party of the People's Republic of China. Information published here will
go through multiple evaluations and a rigorous process of reviewing by the government.
Furthermore, foreign journalists’ visits to China are also highly regulated, according to many
other international organizations who have tried to send over investigators to China. Thus, it
is entirely possible that visitors are only viewing a heavily rehearsed and planned version of
the camps.
Further reading:
1. “Removing the virus from mind: China’s repression on Muslim in Xinjiang,”
Human Rights Watch. September 9th, 2018. (Chinese)
2. “China: Unprovoked imprisonment surges in Xinjiang,” Human Rights Watch.
February 24, 2021. (Chinese)
3. “Xinjiang "re-education camp": Think tank refers to 83 international companies
involved in forced labor of Uighurs,” BBC News. March 2nd, 2020. (Chinese)
4. “ China secretly imprisoned a million Uighurs,” BBC, August 11, 2017. (Chinese)
5. Witness to discrimination,” Amnesty, June 16, 2020. (English)
6. “Why Xinjiang Uyghurs are living in fear,” the guardian, August 7, 2017.
(Chinese)
a. English Original Version:
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 20May 2021
i. “Why Xinjiang Uyghurs are living in fear, ” the guardian, August
7, 2017. (English)
7. “ It took a genocide for me to remember my Uyghur root,” New York Times,
January 12, 2021. (Chinese)
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 21May 2021
Myanmar
Highlights:
1. “Myanmar troops battle militias as anti-coup resistance grows,” Reuters.
Myanmar army battles anti-coup rebels as armed resistance grows © REUTERS
The victory of the NLD party in the recent Myanmar elections resulted in the military,
which supported the opposition, launching a coup against the government. It led to the
detention of political leaders, the establishment of curfews and the death of around 788
people26. This article describes the impact of these decisions, such as the institution of martial
law on the lives of the people in the northwest part of Mindat. In the region, the army fought
against local rebellion groups, such as the China Land defence forces, which demonstrates
that there is limited approval for the military’s policies and they are unable to ensure order in
the country27. Given such realities and the deaths of the militia members, the state-backed
media tried to change the narrative by providing limited information about the attacks in
26
Alice Cuddy, “Myanmar Coup: What Is Happening and Why?,” BBC News (BBC, April 1, 2021),
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070
27
“Myanmar Troops Battle Militias as Anti-Coup Resistance Grows,” Reuters (Thomson Reuters, May 14,
2021),
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/myanmar-junta-declares-martial-law-town-after-attacks-bank-police
-2021-05-14/
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 22May 2021
Mindat. Nonetheless, the military government had to face challenges from protests in cities
such as Yangon and the rise of increased solidarity within the National Unity Government28.
The second pillar of the responsibility to protect has stressed the responsibility of the
international community to ensure that the government protects the citizens of Myanmar.
However, the junta failed to do so in this case and conducted targeted attacks against the
citizens on a daily basis. Additionally, the elected government has been removed from power
in the region and thus, cannot support the people of Myanmar29. The permanent members of
the United Nations Security Council should utilize their political-military tools to support the
citizens of Myanmar in these troubled times, which coincides with the third pillar of the
responsibility to protect.
28
Ibid.
29
Ibid.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 23May 2021
2. “Myanmar: Attacks on healthcare jeopardizing COVID-19 response, UN team
says,” UN News.
People holding a vigil in Yangon, Myanmar © Unsplash/Zinko Hein
The article explains that the brutal crackdown by the security forces, which came into
power with a coup, on the democracy protests has resulted in the detention of several medical
professionals. It has led to around 158 attacks on medical personnel, which has damaged 51
medical facilities and thus, has reduced the ability of Myanmar to respond to the COVID-19
crises30. Such attacks have led to the deaths of at least 11 people and left many individuals
injured, which has resulted in United Nations officials, such as Andrew Kirkwood urging the
military government to release the detained medical personnel.31
The aforementioned attacks have crippled the healthcare system and negatively affected
the country’s management of COVID-19, which demonstrates the inability of the military
government to assist the people of Myanmar. Such targeted attacks against pro-democracy
supporters point towards the responsibility of the international community to ensure that the
government protects its citizens, which is based on the second pillar of the responsibility to
protect32. Thus, the situation in Myanmar merits greater international action and support from
the developed powers under the principles of the responsibility to protect.
30
“Myanmar: Attacks on Healthcare Jeopardizing COVID-19 Response, UN Team Says | | UN News,” United
Nations (United Nations, May 5, 2021), https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/05/1091312
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 24May 2021
3. “Myanmar’s coup fallout tumbles into a regional emergency,” The New
Humanitarian.
Displaced Karen people are seen carrying their belongings along the Salween River in the Thailand-Myanmar
border area on 29 March, 2021 © Karen Women's Organization
Myanmar, security forces have responded to protest movements across the nation with
deadly violence—killing more than 550 people as of April 2nd. Two of the country’s major
ethnic groups have been involved, creating clashes in many remote conflict zones. These
centers for conflict are simultaneously experiencing precarious COVID-19 circumstances and
an inability to combat the virus—especially within cramped displacement camps, where
thousands who have been uprooted by violence currently live.33 As this violence escalates
further, thousands have attempted to flee Myanmar. This article highlights the humanitarian
implications of this coup, including a potential refugee crisis at the borders of India,
Malaysia, and Thailand; the displacement of civilians; and the response of international
powers.
The UN’s refugee agency has urged neighboring countries to offer protection to those
seeking asylum. As many as 3000 civilians attempted to take refuge in Thailand, fleeing from
military bombardments and airstrikes in late March. But, many have since been forced back
as nearly 91,00 people have already fled to Thailand from Myanmar. As the number of
refugee-seeking civilians continues to grow, neighboring countries are becoming increasingly
reluctant to allow entry. In comparison, Western countries have attempted to resolve the crisis
with several new sanctions but no explicit consensus. Many within Myanmar have called for
33
Htusan, Esther. “Bracing for the Coronavirus in Myanmar's Rebel-Held Borderlands.” The New
Humanitarian, February 23, 2021.
https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2020/04/21/Myanmar-coronavirus-Rakhine-Kachin-Karen-conflict.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 25May 2021
military intervention from other nations. However, many claim it is extremely unlikely at this
time. Currently, a global arms embargo on Myanmar’s military has been introduced in an
attempt to quell the violence.
As the crisis at Myanmar’s borders escalates and thousands of others are displaced
due to violence, it is clear that the situation is not only rapidly deteriorating but also
threatening lives. Many protesters in Myanmar have explicitly stated their desire for aid by
way of the R2P doctrine, citing the international communities’ mandate to prevent genocide
and other crimes against humanity. Without international intervention, it is possible this
situation will continue to intensify. Myanmar not only requires help from direct neighbours
but also from other international powers.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 26May 2021
4. “Myanmar’s military disappearing young men to crush uprising,” AP News.
As Myanmar’s army becomes increasingly more violent with civilian protesters,
attempts to arrest and forcibly disappear thousands of people are becoming increasingly
common. This article addresses a frequently overlooked side of the security force’s actions:
intimidation tactics which are often harmful to younger civilians. At this time, the UN is
aware of nearly 1000 cases of children who have been arrested or detained. Of these children,
many are taken to be imprisoned or tortured, while some end up missing and are later found
dead. The number of mass enforced disappearances is continuing to rise and many young
men and boys have found themselves the targets.
Apart from the unseen atrocities these civilians face, the Internet is also being flooded
with the faces of the missing. Online videos show young men being beaten or who are
severely injured being thrown into vans. Though the military claims to be arresting protesters,
it is clear that they are targeting those they believe can be used to end the protests. Many of
the young men who have disappeared are teenagers, of which almost all have been forcibly
arrested. Family members of those who have suffered explain that their relatives have been
charged with crimes, experienced unwarranted amounts of violence, and suffered greatly. The
military’s systematic approach to quell the protest has reached a disturbingly violent point.
Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the international community recognizes and acts
to stop the crimes that are being committed against Myanmar’s citizens—especially the
country’s children.
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 27May 2021
5. “Myanmar Prisoners Harshly Interrogated, says Japanese Journalist,” Japan
Times.
This article from the Japan Times highlights the violence being enacted against
journalists by the government of Myanmar by examining the case of Yuki Kitazumi.
Kitazumi is a freelance journalist from Japan who was arrested on April 18 th and released on
May 14th.34 The recent reinstatement of the Military government, and the removal of Aung
San Suu Kyi’s removal from power has spurred public protests and calls from Myanmar’s
population for democracy and international intervention.35 Kitazumi had been arrested for
supposedly spreading “fake news” and held in Insein Prison in Yangon, which holds a large
number of Myanmar’s over 4,000 political prisoners.36 His arrest was a result of his coverage
of anti-coup protests and sharing of social media posts critical of Myanmar’s military
government.37 He was not permitted even a pen and paper, able to write only using instant
coffee, a feather, and a scrap of paper.38 After being released, Kitazumi reported on some of
the horrors inflicted on political prisoners, including being starved, beaten, and tortured,
although Kitazumi himself was reportedly not subjected to violence during his numerous
interrogations.39 Other organizations have corroborated Kitazumi’s claims, notably the
Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, who report that at least four prisoners have died
in the custody of Myanmar’s military government, and others have physical signs of torture
in their bodies. He recounts that upon the announcement of his release, his fellow prisoners
begged him to inform the world of their suffering. As a result of his experience, he pledges to
continue to fight to restore democracy in Myanmar from Japan, and raise awareness for the
abuses faced by political prisoners.
This article relates to the responsibility to protect doctrine as it relates to the need for
global intervention in Myanmar regarding the treatment of “political prisoners'' to the military
government, and the forcible silencing of dissent and censoring attempts to document crimes
both from within their own country and from those outside of it. In addition, The coup has
caused many R2P concerns, as Kitazumi's case demonstrate. The torture of political
prisoners, as docunemtned by Kitazumi as well as the Assistance Association of Political
Prisoners, is just one example of human rights violations by the Myanmar government that
must be addressed by the international community in accordance with R2P.
34
“Myanmar Prisoners Harshly Interrogated, Says Japanese Journalist.” The Japan Times, May 17, 2021.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/17/national/freed-japanese-journalist-renews-resolve-speak-myanm
ar/.
35
Cuddy, Alice. “Myanmar Coup: What Is Happening and Why?” BBC News. BBC, April 1, 2021.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070, see also “Myanmar's Deadly Coup and the Responsibility to
Protect.” Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. Accessed May 24, 2021.
https://www.globalr2p.org/publications/myanmars-deadly-coup-and-the-responsibility-to-protect/.
36
“Myanmar prisoners harshly interrogated, says Japanese journalist.”
37
Ibid.
38
Ibid.
39
“Myanmar prisoners harshly interrogated, says Japanese journalist,”, see also Cuddy, “Myanmar Coup: What
Is Happening and Why?” https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070
Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect | 28May 2021
6. “US announces more sanctions against Myanmar's military government,” CNN.
This article specifically discusses the third set of sanctions against Myanmar by the
United States on Monday, May 17th. These sanctions were made alongside Canada and the
United Kingdom, in a joint effort to hold the government of Myanmar accountable for crimes
against humanity.40 These measures compounded on the first two rounds of sanctions in
March and April, including the removal of all non-emergency employees of the US State
Department and disrupting several billions of dollars in the sale of precious gems.41
Specifically, these most recent sanctions targeted sixteen individuals who were either directly
members of or children of members of Myanmar’s State Administrative Council (SAC).42
Individuals were put under financial pressure by removing their access to assets in the US.
UK and Canada..43 The fact that these measures target specific members of the government
puts a much more direct and personal pressure on the government members, involving the
individuals assets rather than the country’s economy as a whole. The intentions of this move
by the Biden Administration are to apply economic pressure specifically towards the
individuals who have the most power and influence over the government of Myanmar. The
goal of this move, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is to encourage
Myanmar’s government to halt violence and “respect the will of the people.”44 This refers
not only to the violence used to put down pro-democracy protests, but other acts of violence
that have been perpetrated by the government.
This action and goal by the US, UK, and Canada aligns with principles of
responsibility to protect, as it involves international intervention in order to protect against
crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, or genocide.45 It offers a clear example of a
non-military action that could be taken by foreign nations against a party guilty of crimes
against humanity. While it is not clear yet whether these measures will sufficiently pressure
members of the SAC to stop their violent actions and listen to pro-Democracy protests, the
condemnation of their actions on the part of the US and its allies displays a clear willingness
to respond to these cases.
40
Atwood, Kylie, and Nicole Gaouette. “US Announces More Sanctions against Myanmar's Military
Government.” CNN. Cable News Network, May 17, 2021.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/17/politics/us-myanmar-designations/index.html.
41
Gaouette, Nicole. “What's Happening in Myanmar and What the Biden Administration Is Trying to Do about
It.” CNN. Cable News Network, April 14, 2021.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/politics/myanmar-explainer-us/index.html.
42
Atwood and Gaouette “US Announces More Sanctions.”
43
Ibid.
44
Ibid.
45
“Myanmar's Deadly Coup and the Responsibility to Protect.” Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.
Accessed May 24, 2021.
https://www.globalr2p.org/publications/myanmars-deadly-coup-and-the-responsibility-to-protect/.
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