Is China Guilty of Committing Genocide in Xinjiang?

Abstract

1. Defending human rights and preventing international crimes, such as genocide, constitute paramount imperatives of all nations. In recent years, China has been accused of genocide in the context of her policies in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) with respect to the Uyghurs, an ethnic minority residing primarily in Xinjiang. Uyghurs have been summoned to housing centers located in Xinjiang where they are taught the Chinese language, sing patriotic songs, and educated on Chinese society. Uyghurs who have been released and reside outside of China and some who have sent messages while housed in these facilities have complained of mistreatment at these centers. Critics contend that China is committing genocide against Uyghurs at the housing centers (referred to by some as “concentration camps”) inspiring unofficial trials in the U.K. 2. China vigorously disputes that she is engaged in genocide and argues that the implementation of strict disciplinary policies in Xinjiang are necessary and legitimate responses to horrific terrorist attacks in Xinjiang, Beijing and other locations inside China by Uyghur separatists fueled by religious fanaticism. China argues that her Xinjiang policies target religious extremism and discharge a governmental obligation to defend security and public order as well as to ensure legal compliance with domestic law. China also claims that the policies’ intent is to promote the success of Uyghurs in Chinese society, which is the antithesis of genocide. 3. This essay will address a focused issue: are the claims that China is engaged in a genocide against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang legitimate or unfair? While allegations of genocide in Xinjiang are trendy and almost “PC”, lawyers have a particular