Diplomats, China and Bangladesh violating human rights

More than 200 migrants working as domestic workers in at least 18 countries were allegedly exploited by 160 diplomats and international workers, according to an international investigation by the Philippine media network Rappler. They are accused of human trafficking, exploitation of workers, theft, or paying too low wages. Many diplomats escaped prosecution due to diplomatic immunity.

Although several Western powers criticize the Bangladeshi authorities for violating human rights, President Macron emphasized his intention to tighten France’s trade relations with Bangladesh during his visit abroad. Sheikh Hasina Wajed, who rules there, is accused of using law enforcement agencies and the justice system to counter the opposition. Hundreds of people have already been killed or disappeared by security forces.

A year after a UN report on human rights violations against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, China, authorities in Beijing are trying to show the world a different picture of life in that region. They present Xinjiang as an “example of success”. They welcome more and more tourists there, and the local travel agency intends to spend almost 90 million euros this year on constructing luxury hotels and campsites. Since 2013, Xinjiang has been a highly militarized zone with increased security based on advanced technologies and digital surveillance. More than a million Uyghurs are to be detained there in the so-called re-education camps used to combat extremism and terrorism. Critics say it is an attempted genocide aimed at destroying the Uyghurs.