NEW YORK - In 2021, several reports produced by experts found that the Uyghurs are subjected to genocide in Xinjiang, China. This finding was followed by several determinations from parliaments and the U.S. State Department of the atrocities amounting to genocide and by calls for action to address the atrocities, writes Religion Unplagged.

However, no real action followed. On Aug. 31, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights published its report concluding that “serious human rights violations” against the Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim communities have been committed in Xinjiang.

The report added that the atrocities may amount to international crimes and, in particular, crimes against humanity. However, this report was also not followed by any decisive steps to address the atrocities.

China continues to deny the allegations and brands them as propaganda. However, the tables may turn after all as several states work on a resolution — a so-called draft decision — to ensure that the U.N. debates the high commissioner’s report.

At the end of September, the United States filed the draft decision with the U.N. If successful, the report and the situation of Uyghurs would be debated at the next U.N. Human Rights Council session. The vote is expected just before the end of the 51st session of the Human Rights Council, before October 7.

A simple majority is needed for the draft decision to pass. The Chinese delegation is said to be exercising pressure on states to oppose the resolution to prevent further engagement with the critical report.