REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

United Nations Human Rights Council

María Valentina Rodriguez
Universidad Católica Andrés Bello - UCAB HNMUN
Topic: Human Rights Crises and Infringement of Religious
Freedoms in Chechnya and Xinjiang

In two distinct regions, the same story is unfolding before the eyes of the world. The tale is as
simple as it is devastating: an authoritarian superpower seeking territorial cohesion and economic benefits
systematically violates the human rights of an ethnic group. Torture, unjust incarceration, extrajudicial
executions, and indoctrination are just some of the methods used to silence both Uyghur Muslims and
Chechens. Russia and China have justified these atrocities under the argument of eradicating extremist
tendencies and countering terrorism. This presents an apparently unsolvable dichotomy between religious
freedoms and public safety. How can we find a real meeting point, respecting the socio-political matrix of
each involved nation, but ensuring the real protection of the fundamental rights of these communities?

Caught in a diplomatic balancing act, the international community’s response to these human
rights crises has been inefficient. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly condemned Russia
for egregious violations, demanding over 2 million euros in compensation to victims. However, Russia’s
withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights in 2022 means it is no longer legally bound
to comply with these rulings. The lack of accountability has not been an issue exclusive to the Chechnya
crisis. In October 2021, Türkiye joined 42 other nations in a cross-regional statement that demanded swift
access for independent observers in Xinjiang. Nevertheless, China’s reservation to Article 20 of the UN
Convention against Torture has provided the nation with a legal excuse to refuse such visits.

Igniting tensions with these geopolitical superpowers will not alleviate the atrocities committed
against Chechens and Uyghurs, as past international actions have proven. Within a context of opposing
interests, Turkey believes in identifying realistic opportunities to protect the freedoms of such groups
while constructing a pathway to uplift human rights. This reaffirms our concern towards preserving the
fundamental freedoms of Uyghurs “in a way that will not harm China’s (...) sovereignty rights i”. The
Republic of Turkey has long served as a home for more than 50,000 Uyghurs in exile, welcoming 8,000
into the territory in 2021 alone. 12,000 Chechens have also found refuge in Turkish soil after escaping
from the Chechen Wars. Turkey has maintained its commitment to protect these asylum-seekers after
arresting a squad of Kadyrov’s allies trying to assassinate Chechen dissidents in 2022.

The challenges presented by Chechnya and Xinjiang should not discourage the Human Rights
Council but rather motivate it to pursue innovation, considering the similarities between both geopolitical
hotspots. Initially, we must set stronger accountability mechanisms that analyze under which
circumstances human rights can be purposefully limited, following conditions established by the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Additionally, Turkey wishes to collaborate to
enhance the capabilities of international organizations that have recently accessed these areas, such as the
International Labor Organization and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. This
could contribute to setting unambiguous standards and intensifying pressure through more efficient use of
UNHCR’s machinery. Turkey believes that by finding alternatives that minimize tensions, the
international community can ensure that the story of Uyghurs and Chechens will no longer end in blood
and tears, but rather with the promise of a brighter future.
Endnotes
i
Office of International Religious Freedom 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkey (Türkiye).
US Department of State. Retrieved January 15, 2024, from https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-
international-religious-freedom/turkey/