The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
(March 2019)
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
I. Xinjiang Has Long Been an Inseparable Part of Chinese Territory
II. The Origin of Terrorism and Extremism in Xinjiang
III. Violent Terrorism and Religious Extremism Are Grave Abuses of Human Rights
IV. Striking at Terrorism and Extremism in Accordance with the Law
V. Giving Top Priority to a Preventive Counterterrorism Approach
VI. Finding Experience for Counterterrorism and De-radicalization
VII. International Counterterrorism Exchanges and Cooperation
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
I. Xinjiang Has Long Been an Inseparable Part of Chinese Territory
Xinjiang is situated in northwest China and the hinterland of the Eurasian Continent, covering an area of 1.66 million sq km. It borders eight countries: Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Since ancient times, Xinjiang has been home to various ethnic groups, and different cultures and religions coexist.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
Separatism is the hotbed in which terrorism and extremism take root in Xinjiang. For a long time terrorist and extremist forces have been beating the drum for separatist activities by distorting, fabricating and falsifying the history of Xinjiang, exaggerating the cultural differences between ethnic groups, instigating isolation and hatred, and advocating religious extremism.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
III. Violent Terrorism and Religious Extremism Are Grave Abuses of Human Rights
Terrorist and extremist forces in Xinjiang, driven by the goal of separatism, engaged in wildly sabotaging activities. This badly undermines local stability and brings enormous suffering to all ethnic groups in the region. Incomplete statistics show that from 1990 to the end of 2016, separatist, terrorist and extremist forces launched thousands of terrorist attacks in Xinjiang.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
IV. Striking at Terrorism and Extremism in Accordance with the Law
It is important to stick to the principles of rule of law and a law-based approach in combatting terrorism and extremism in Xinjiang. The situation is severe and complex; members of all ethnic groups are insistent in their demands that violent and terrorist crimes be punished, and that their lives and property should be protected.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
V. Giving Top Priority to a Preventive Counterterrorism Approach
Terrorism and extremism jeopardize human rights and sustainable development as they propagate intolerance between different religions, cultures and societies, challenge human justice and dignity, and do great harm to peace and security. Fighting terrorism and extremism is a common issue and arduous task faced by the entire world.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
VI. Finding Experience for Counterterrorism and De-radicalization
Counterterrorism and de-radicalization effort in Xinjiang is based on the reality in Xinjiang and the rest of the country, while drawing on the experience of other countries. The government prioritizes safeguarding the fundamental interests of all ethnic groups.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang
VII. International Counterterrorism Exchanges and Cooperation
Throughout the world terrorism and extremism gravely threaten peace and development, and endanger the life and property of individuals. Striking aggressively at terrorism and furthering the de-radicalization effort is the common responsibility of the international community and essential to the protection of human rights.
The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang