Clear and robust strategy needed to protect Uighur Muslims in China

The London Assembly has today called for a clear and robust strategy from the Government, to impose sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in China.



The Assembly also notes the importance of protecting the Chinese community here in London against rising hate crime following COVID-19.

Dr Onkar Sahota AM, who proposed the motion said:

“The world’s attention and condemnation should be firmly focused upon the Chinese Government’s sickening persecution of its Uighur Muslim population.

“This comes amongst other human rights abuses, the undermining of Hong Kong democracy and the security concerns that have emerged with Huawei. We urgently need to see a clear and robust strategy from the Government which imposes sanctions on the Chinese officials who are responsible.

“Closer to home, it is equally important that we do more to protect the Chinese community in London who are bearing the brunt of rising hate crime during these difficult times. We must stamp out Sinophobia wherever it rears its ugly head.”

The full text of the motion is:

“This Assembly expresses its concern regarding human rights abuse in China, security concerns arising from Huawei, and the undermining of Hong Kong democracy, which have implications for Londoners.

This Assembly is appalled by, and condemns, the persecution of Uighur Muslims in China. This Assembly takes note of international concerns about China’s human rights record and the recent action taken by the Government to remove Huawei from the UK's 5G mobile networks.

The Assembly calls on the UK Government to propose a strategy to engage with China over human rights abuse, including if necessary, sanctions legislation targeted at individuals responsible. The Mayor should call upon the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to raise these concerns directly with the Chinese Government and work with EU countries and other international partners to place pressure on China to immediately halt these abuses.

This Assembly also calls on the Mayor to review the future viability of London’s twinning arrangements with countries where there are concerns over human right abuses. This should include, though not exclusively, arrangements with Beijing and Shanghai, which were agreed under previous mayoralties.

London’s diversity is what makes the city special and the Assembly is proud that many citizens of Chinese heritage who call the capital home contribute greatly to the life and culture of our city. This Assembly condemns the increase in Sinophobia and victimisation of Chinese and British Chinese people in London following the outbreak of COVID-19.

This Assembly calls on the Mayor to continue tackling hate crime in London and in particular support London’s Chinese community during these troubled times. This Assembly calls on the Mayor to write to the Home Secretary to urge her to introduce a further Hate Crime Action Plan, with a targeted campaign against Sinophobia.”