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The United Nations Human Rights Office has reiterated its concerns over what it describes as “severe” human rights violations against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang, also known as East Turkestan, despite ongoing international scrutiny of the region.

In an interview, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Liz Throssell said the Office continues to monitor developments in Xinjiang and stands by the findings of its 2022 assessment, which documented widespread violations that may constitute crimes against humanity. She noted that the UN’s most recent visit to the region took place in 2022 and that concerns remain regarding limited access and the risk of reprisals against individuals who engage with the organization.

Throssell said several laws and policies identified as problematic remain in effect, while reports of arbitrary detention and large-scale incarceration continue to emerge. She added that many families still lack information about the fate and whereabouts of detained relatives.

According to Throssell, the last official visit to Xinjiang was conducted in 2022 by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

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In recent years, Xinjiang has drawn significant international attention amid allegations of mass detention, forced assimilation, cultural suppression, and widespread human rights violations. The United Nations and several human rights organizations have reported evidence of arbitrary detention and systemic abuses, with some assessments suggesting the situation may amount to crimes against humanity.

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[Arslan Hidayat is an Australian-born Uyghur activist whose roots trace back to East Turkestan – a region internationally recognized as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwestern China] describes the situation in Xinjiang as deeply systemic. During a 2014 visit, he says he witnessed forced relocations tied to residence permit issues. He refers to China’s Hukou system, which restricts where people can live, work, and access services.

He describes widespread surveillance, including monitoring of electricity usage, CCTV facial recognition, and household movement patterns. According to him, even small actions, such as using a VPN, growing a beard, wearing a hijab, having relatives abroad, or receiving religious messages can lead to arrest.

He says detentions have affected not only political or religious figures but also ordinary civilians, including teachers, athletes, scholars, and even Communist Party members. Many were labeled “extremists” without evidence and sent to so-called “re-education centers,” which human rights groups describe as detention and indoctrination facilities.

Hidayat says communication with the outside world is extremely limited. Access to platforms such as Google, YouTube, and Instagram is blocked, and online accounts are tied to personal identification systems.

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He argues that the international community often underestimates the situation, viewing Xinjiang as a “black box.” According to him, this silence enables continued repression.

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