MULTILATERAL COOPERATION AMONG STATES IN PROTECTING UYGHUR HUMAN RIGHTS : POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES (2016 – 2021)

Abstract

The Chinese government has been accused of crimes against humanity towards the Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities due to China’s mass internment, forced assimilation, forced labor, and forced ‘sterilization’. Since these findings came to light, the international community, especially Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has criticized the Chinese government. But, effective response from states and governments are very lacking. Thus, this writing aims to find out the challenges that hinder cooperation and collaboration among states to oppose China over its policy towards Uyghur and other Muslim minorities. Over and above challenges, this writing also intents to identify opportunities that can be utilized to make interstates cooperation possible as what liberal institutionalism has stipulated. Using qualitative method, this writing draws from preexisting literatures and academic publications to provide answers and knowledge on this issue. This writing finds that Chinese statecraft as well as states’ considerations are obstructing meaningful and substantial interstates cooperation. On the other hand, strong support form the overall international community is a capital that can be utilized by states and government to form opposition towards China.