UCA News
Contribute

China's passport recall in Xinjiang condemned

Rights group says it's a collective form of punishment that will fuel resentment
China's passport recall in Xinjiang condemned
Published: November 22, 2016 10:04 AM GMT
Updated: November 22, 2016 10:06 AM GMT

The Chinese government's new policy of recalling passports restricts foreign travel for many residents of Xinjiang, Human Rights Watch said Nov. 21.

The policy, applicable to residents of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region since at least October, gives police wide power to scrutinize residents' proposed visits abroad.

The government's blanket recall of passports allegedly for reasons of "collective management" follows similar passport restrictions in the Tibet Autonomous Region, but has not apparently been imposed elsewhere in China. Xinjiang is home to 10 million predominantly Muslim Uighurs, and ethnic and religious discrimination against them is rampant, prompting some to flee.

"Chinese authorities have given no credible reason for taking away people's passports, violating their right to freedom of movement," said Sophie Richardson, China director. "Doing so across an entire region is a form of collective punishment and fuels resentment toward the government in a region where tensions are high."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia