UN Expert Urges China to Disclose Information on Imprisoned Uyghur Doctor

Lawlor emphasized the urgency of complying with international human rights obligations by disclosing this information to Dr. Abbas’ family.

Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, has called on Chinese authorities to provide crucial information regarding the status and conditions of imprisoned Uyghur doctor Gulshan Abbas. Dr. Abbas has been reportedly serving a 20-year sentence since 2019 on charges related to terrorism, yet her family remains uninformed about her whereabouts, the evidence used in her conviction, and her current health status.

Lawlor emphasized the urgency of complying with international human rights obligations by disclosing this information to Dr. Abbas’ family. She expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency surrounding Dr. Abbas’ detention and called on Chinese authorities to act in accordance with fundamental human rights principles.

Dr. Abbas, who reportedly suffers from health complications, was detained in September 2018 without any official communication to her family about the reasons for her arrest, the charges against her, details of her trial, or the location of her imprisonment. It wasn't until December 2020 that Chinese authorities publicly confirmed her imprisonment, citing allegations of involvement in a terrorist organization, aiding terrorist activities, and organizing disruptive activities against social order.

The Special Rapporteur underscored that Dr. Abbas had not been involved in political or human rights activism. Her detention occurred just six days after her sister, Rushan Abbas, a Uyghur human rights defender based in the United States, criticized China's treatment of the Uyghur population at a public event in Washington D.C.

Lawlor condemned Dr. Abbas’ continued imprisonment as apparent retaliation against her sister’s advocacy efforts. She referenced concerns raised by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, in her 2022 report on human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Bachelet highlighted a pattern of intimidations, threats, and reprisals targeting family members of Uyghurs living in exile who have engaged in advocacy related to XUAR.

UN experts have already communicated these concerns to the Chinese government, urging prompt action to address these human rights violations and provide clarity on Dr. Abbas’ situation.

Key Points:

• Demand for Transparency: UN calls on China to disclose information on Dr. Gulshan Abbas’ imprisonment, including her location, charges, trial details, and health status.
• Detention Context: Dr. Abbas, not involved in political or human rights activities, was arrested shortly after her sister criticized China’s treatment of Uyghurs.
• International Obligations: Urgent appeal to China to comply with human rights standards and provide necessary information to Dr. Abbas’ family.
• Retaliation Concerns: Dr. Abbas’ imprisonment seen as retaliation against her sister’s advocacy, echoing concerns raised by former High Commissioner Bachelet.
• UN Engagement: UN experts have formally communicated concerns to China, urging corrective actions and respect for human rights principles.

The case of Dr. Gulshan Abbas reflects broader concerns over human rights abuses in China, particularly targeting Uyghur individuals and their families, prompting international calls for transparency and accountability from Chinese authorities.