46 countries support China's anti-terrorism work in Xinjiang

Forty-six countries on Wednesday voiced their support on China's anti-terrorism and de-radicalization work in its northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"Terrorism and extremism are common enemies to the human beings, and pose severe threats to all human rights," the Belarus' representative read in a joint statement on behalf of the 46 countries at the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"We note with concern that terrorism, separatism and extremism have caused enormous damage to people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, China, and seriously infringed upon their human rights."

The 46 countries expressed appreciation that China has undertaken a series of measures in response to threats in accordance with the law to safeguard the human rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

"There was no single terrorist attack in Xinjiang in the last three years. Safety and stability have been restored in Xinjiang. Human rights of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have been effectively safeguarded," the statement said.

The 46 nations said they appreciate China’s openness and transparency which is evident from, among other things, inviting more than 1,000 diplomats, officials of international organizations, journalists and religious personages to visit Xinjiang, and they have witnessed Xinjiang’s remarkable achievements.

"We take note that the Chinese government has extended an invitation to the High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang, and the two sides are keeping in contact on the matter," said the statement.

The 46 nations urged refraining from making unfounded allegations against China based on disinformation. "We are confident that the OHCHR will continue to conduct its work in an objective and impartial manner in accordance with its mandate," the joint statement said.

The joint statement also reiterated that the work of the Human Rights Council should be conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and our firm opposition to the practice of politicization of human rights issues and double standards," the statement said.