IPRI Team

Avishka Ashok  and Vaishnavi Iyer

China: The first White Paper on Xinjiang's demographic and economic development
In the news
On 26 September, the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China released its first white paper focusing on the population dynamics in the Xinjiang region. The 20-page report displays the fast demographic development over seven decades and boasts of a 99.96 per cent enrolment rate in primary education in the region. 

The spokesperson of the Xinjiang regional government Xu Guixiang said: "Xinjiang is a book with profound content. A few days staying here would only let people know its cover while its content, characteristics, and spirits need longer time to ponder over."
 
Issues at large
First, major takeaways from the report. The latest white paper released by the government is the first of its kind that focuses on demography by referring to data collected from the seven national census reports. According to the paper, the ethnic population in the Xinjiang region has reportedly increased from 3.61 million in 1953 to 11.62 million in 2020. The report sheds light on China's efforts towards national rejuvenation, all-round development, exploring prosperity through hard work and the benefits of China's prosperity for the rest of the world. The report claims to have de-radicalized the extremism in the region through various anti-terrorism measures. The regional government also asserts that there have been no terrorist attacks since 2017, and populace is more united when compared to half a decade ago. The report also praises the Chinese government for successfully improving the people's standard of living, increasing life expectancy, and modernizing the region quickly.

Second, the yardstick to measure discontent. The report claims to have zero terrorist activities in the country's eastern frontier in the past five years. Other than China, many other countries also believe that not having violent outbursts in a steady-state signifies the real sentiments of the population. However, the yardstick to measure peace and stability in a region cannot be the lack of violent events.

Third, shortcomings of the report. The report fails to mention exactly what measures were undertaken to reach the current state of peace and harmony in Xinjiang. The report, as well as the authorities, mention "anti-terrorism" and "de-radicalization" measures taken by China in the region. However, the existence of re-education camps has not been mentioned in the report anywhere. The camps were one of the foremost criticisms from the West against the suppression of minorities. Even though the paper showcases a steep rise in the Uighur population, it fails to provide a comparison to the increase in the Han migration and settlement in Xinjiang.

Fourth, China's response to external pressures. China rejected the earlier accusations of genocide. Other than denying the allegations at international forums and counter-sanctioning Western countries, China did not make any efforts to provide substantial evidence to back their denial. The report comes when there is heightened international criticism against China for the repression of minorities in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. On 8 July, the US imposed sanctions on numerous officials of the Chinese Communist Party for violating the human rights of the Uighur community in Xinjiang. Along with the US, Canada, United Kingdom and the European Union have also sanctioned Chinese officials for the forceful "Hanification" of the ethnic Uighurs in Xinjiang. The report denies all charges of suppression by showcasing a happy, bright and jolly populace pursuing their culture and traditional identities and abiding by the Chinese principles and the national identity.

In perspective
The report is aimed at dismissing the discourse by Western countries which accuses the Chinese administration of destroying the Islamic culture and traditions of the Uighur community by forcefully engaging them in activities against their faith in re-education camps. The report seeks to contest the claims made by foreign governments and tries to propagate a peaceful and strong Chinese state.

The US: Migrant situation worsens as the American border officials begin deporting the Haitians
In the news 
On 17 September, approximately 13,000 Haitians gathered near the Del Rio bridge in Texas connecting to Mexico. 

On 21 September, US border officials were heavily criticized for their mistreatment of migrants. They rode on horseback using whips to prevent the migrants from entering the border. President Joe Biden called the treatment an "embarrassment" and ensured "consequences." Calling it "strapping," he said: "Of course, I take responsibility. I'm president." Referring to the border agents, he said: "I promise you those people will pay," adding, "It's simply not who we are."

On 22 September, Special Envoy to Haiti, Ambassador Daniel Foote resigned in protest over the deportation of the migrants stating it as "inhumane and counterproductive."

On 23 September, US officials noted that nearly 4000 migrants had not moved; others already returned to Mexico and 3200 waiting for their migration process in custody. Another 19,000 migrants have begun from Columbian forests waiting for the Panama border crossing. About 1400 of the migrants have been returned to Haiti.
 
Issues at large 
First, the Haiti migration to the US. Haitians have regularly been migrating to the US. The earthquake of 2010 left many Haitians in search for a better life, many left to countries like Brazil and Chile. An unstable economy and strict immigration rules in these areas left the migrants helpless, with many crossing into US borders. Constant setbacks in Haiti, triggered by the pandemic and the political instability with the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, has only led to more despair.

Second, the response from the US government. The Title 42 policy is set to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the facilities where the migrants are currently being held. With reference to the same US has been sending the migrants back to Haiti. Moreover, US agents patrolling the border with migrants encamped under the Del bridge are facing heavy criticisms for their inhumane handling of the situation. In an attempt to seemingly defend the actions of the border patrol, Mayorkas said: "I'm intensely and immensely proud of the men and women of the US Customs and Border Protection. In fact, in Del Rio, Texas, I saw them act heroically." However, Biden has condemned the border treatment and has vouched for consequences. The US is still continuing its efforts to send Haitians back.

In perspective
First, Haiti's arduous decade. While Haiti has been a victim to natural calamities and socio-economic-political unrest, the sitting government has not accounted for much effort to help its own population. Ariel Henry supported the American evacuation of the migrants and seemed to sympathize with the US. 

Second, American immigration policy debate. Within the IR perspective, migration is a debatable right. Last year, only 22 per cent of Haitians won a formal approval as compared to 98 per cent of Venezuelans and 83 per cent of Salvadorans. The Haitian number for this year remains at 31 per cent. Biden administration has the responsibility to distinguish itself from the Trump administration and indulge in the systematic rebuilding of the asylum facilities. More importantly, he must address the main cause of the irregular migrations. Given the migration, the US is also suffering consequences of roadblocks, airport chaos, addressing border agent harassment and has resorted to using the Trump era policy to return the Haitians. With the current Covid-19 situation in the US and increased migration from other countries from the south, it is hard to hold the US accountable to accommodate every migrant. The increased human rights issues against the larger backdrops of national sovereignty of the US and a global pandemic help push for a larger debate on migration as a right amidst such extraordinary circumstances.

Also from around the World
By Apoorva Sudhakar and Abigail Miriam Fernandez
 
Peace and Conflict from East and Southeast Asia
China: China lists 100 instances of US interference in Hong Kong
On 24 September, China listed 100 actions of the United States, which it claimed to be American interference in Hong Kong affairs. Beijing listed interferences since 2019, including former US President Donald Trump's signing of the Hong Kong Autonomy Act in 2020 and current President Joe Biden's show of support to Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper. Reuters quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman: "The United States must not tolerate any force that is anti-China and stirs troubles in Hong Kong, or else it will only be lifting a stone to hit one's foot."
 
Hong Kong: Public broadcaster asked to uphold "constitutional order"
On 29 September, Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK issued new guidelines, "Editorial Policies and Processes of RTHK," asking the staff to uphold the city's "constitutional order" and Beijing's sovereignty, to reportedly safeguard security. The guidelines were issued after allegations were made that the broadcaster's news coverage was biased; the directors and journalists at the RTHK have been asked to implement the new guidelines, follow the One-China policy, and have been warned that failure to comply to the new rules would attract disciplinary action. 
 
Taiwan: Eight Chinese military planes enter ADIZ in two days
On 27 September, six Chinese military planes flew into the air defence identification zone (ADIZ) of Taiwan; the Ministry of National Defense said the planes included two fighter jets, two electronic warfare planes, an anti-submarine warfare plane and an airborne early warning and control aircraft. On 28 September, two more Chinese military planes entered the ADIZ, making it the 25th intrusion of the ADIZ in September. 
 
North Korea: Quad leaders call for engagement in talks; Pyongyang fires missile into East Sea
On 24 September, the Quad leaders reiterated their commitment to the denuclearisation of North Korea and urged Pyongyang to engage in dialogue and follow the UNSC guidelines. The development came in light of the test-fire of a short-range ballistic missile by North Korea earlier in September. However, on 28 September, North Korea fired a short-range missile into the East Sea after the country's Defence Minister defended their right to test weapons and said Washington should let go of its "hostile policy" towards Pyongyang. 
 
Australia: COVID-19 outbreak in Aboriginal town reflects a historical failure
On 27 September, The Washington Post published a feature outlining the COVID-19 outbreak in Outback, an Aboriginal town. The story traces the first signs of the outbreak to late August and its spread to more than a tenth of its 600-odd population within two weeks. It says the situation is a reflection of the failure of Australia's "COVID zero," approach and the country's historical failure of protecting Indigenous people, who are prone to chronic diseases and are mostly deprived of easy access to healthcare facilities. 
 
Indonesia: UN places country under scrutiny over activities in Papua 
On 28 September, the Jakarta Post reported on the UN's scrutiny of the Indonesian government after it was included in the list of 45 countries cited as being culpable of intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders seeking to cooperate with the UN. A report from the UN Secretary General's Office containing the above list was circulated on 17 September. Indonesia has, in recent times, been criticized for its activities in Papua, wherein it has a heavy security-based approach to tackle separatist groups. 
 
Myanmar: Soldiers killed in clashes; independent experts' group urges UNSC to declare junta a terrorist organization
On 27 September, at least 20 soldiers were killed in Shan State after Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) members attacked a convoy of 45 military vehicles. On 29 September, KNDF accused the junta of killing civilians using landmines after one civilian was killed and three were injured in different landmine explosions. In a separate development, on 27 September, Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M), an independent group of former UN human rights experts, called on the UNSC to declare the Myanmar junta a "terrorist organization" citing rights violations including torture, killing and taking people, including children, as hostages.
 
Peace and Conflict from South Asia
Sri Lanka: Tamil MP arrested for commemorating separatist rebel
On 23 September, Sri Lankan opposition legislator Selvarajah Kajendran was arrested for commemorating a separatist rebel, Thileepan, who died while campaigning for the minority community. Following his arrest, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), condemned the police's actions. The arrest came just after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called for reconciliation between ethnic groups and his statement at the UN General Assembly promising to address the root causes that led to a three-decade Tamil separatist war that ended in 2009.
 
India: 800 families evicted in Darrang, Assam
On 23 September, two people were killed while several others were injured after clashes broke out in Sipajhar in Assam's Darrang district as thousands protested against the government's ongoing eviction drive against "illegal encroachers." Over 800 families in Darrang and 1200-1300 families in Dholpur were evicted as part of the drive. While the government claims that they have "illegally encroached" on the land, most families who are Bengali-speaking Muslims stated that they moved there at least 40 years ago. The eviction has drawn criticism from both the Opposition and rights activists for evicting people without a proper rehabilitation plan.
 
Nepal: Panel on Nepal-China border issue suggests joint inspection groups 
On 29 September, The Kathmandu Post reported that a panel formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to study the Nepal-China border in Humla district suggested that the government resolve those issues by forming a joint inspection group of experts. The panel stated, "We could not ascertain who fenced the boundary pillars with wire and who repaired them. To address those issues, we have suggested the formation of a joint inspection team comprising experts from both countries—Nepal and China," adding, "The issue needs to be pursued diplomatically." Further, it said, "No side can repair, maintain, colour or fence the boundary pillars unilaterally. It should be carried out through a joint meeting following correspondence between the two sides. Such activities can be carried out in the presence of officials from both sides."
 
Pakistan: Terrorists target a Frontier Corps border post from Iranian territory
On 28 September, terrorists attacked a Frontier Crops border post in the Chukab area of Balochistan, killing one soldier. According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR), the Iranian authorities had been informed of the incident. On the same day, 10 terrorists, including four commanders, were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the ISPR, these terrorists planted IEDs, conducted fire raids, and targeted killing of innocent civilians.
 
Pakistan: Series of targeted killings in Islamabad
On 27 September, in two separate incidents of targeted killing, two people were shot dead, and gunmen opened fire at a vehicle carrying two accused murders in Islamabad. Previously, on 24 September, a private housing society owner was killed while his partner, two security guards, and a driver were injured in a targeted attack. These incidents took place amid the recent surge of targeted attacks in the capital.
 
Afghanistan: ICC prosecutor seeks approval to resume war crime investigation on the actions of Taliban 
On 27 September, International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan stated that he is seeking approval to resume a war crimes investigation of Afghanistan, concentrating on the actions of the Taliban and Daesh militia. He said that the request was being made to the court's judges amidst the recent development that has taken place in Afghanistan. He said that they would now "deprioritize" that element due to lack of resources, and instead focus on "the scale and nature of crimes within the jurisdiction of the court," adding, "After reviewing matters carefully, I have reached the conclusion that, at this time, there is no longer the prospect of genuine and effective domestic investigations ... within Afghanistan."
 
Afghanistan: The US does not need to carry out air attacks, says US Department of Defense
On 25 September, US Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby stated that the United States does need to coordinate counterterrorism airstrikes in Afghanistan and that there was no need to talk with the Taliban about the strikes. He said: "We retain all necessary authorities to execute over the horizon counterterrorism operations and we remain confident in these capabilities moving forward without speaking to specific rules of engagement surrounding airstrikes. There is currently no requirement to clear airspace with the Taliban and we do not expect that any future over the horizon counterterrorism strikes would hinge on such a clearance."
 
Afghanistan: Taliban to restore amputation and executions as punishment
On 22 September, Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, a founding Taliban leader in charge of prisons, stated that the Taliban would restore amputation and executions as punishment in Afghanistan. He said: "Everyone criticized us for the punishments in the stadium, but we have never said anything about their laws and their punishments. No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam, and we will make our laws [based] on the Quran." He argued that carrying out Sharia rules (religious rules) is necessary to maintain security in the country.
 
Peace and Conflict from Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Baku, Yerevan observe one year of Nagorno-Karabakh war
On 27 September, Armenia and Azerbaijan marked one year of the six-week war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, wherein more than 6,000 people lost their lives. In Azerbaijan's capital city, soldiers carried photographs of troops who died fighting the war. In the Armenian capital, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and thousands of people visited the military cemetery and paid respects to the soldiers who had died in the conflict. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry accused Armenia of terming the latter's actions in 2020 as a military provocation. 
 
Syria: UN report reveals at least 350,209 deaths in Syrian war 
On 24 September, the UN human rights office released its first report since 2014, on the death toll in the 10-year-long Syrian war and said at least 350,209 had been killed over the decade; the figure accounts for the period between March 2011 and March 2021. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said one in every 13 victims was a woman or child. Further, she termed the figure an under-count saying it is only a minimum verifiable number. According to the 2014 figures, 191,369 had been killed in the war. 
 
Iraq: 52 people abducted in Sinjar by PKK terrorists
On 29 September, Daily Sabah cited a report which said 52 people had been abducted in the Sinjar region by PKK terrorists on 28 September. The development comes despite a deal signed in October 2020 between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) which called for an end to the PKK's presence in Sinjar; however, since the signing, the PKK has reportedly increased its activities in the region. 
 
Yemen: 130 killed in clashes in Marib; Sullivan meets Saudi Crown Prince
On 28 September, The Washington Post reported that more than 130 fighters had been killed in clashes between government forces and Houthi rebels in a span of two days in Marib; the deceased mostly belong to the Houthi rebels. The development comes in the backdrop of the US President's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan visit to Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg quoted an official who said in his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Sullivan discussed the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. 
 
Nigeria: Scores killed in series of attacks in northern states
On 27 September, the Kaduna State Security Commissioner said that 34 people had been killed and seven wounded in an attack by gunmen on the Madamai village on 26 September. On the same day, one person was killed in another attack on a church. Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, 22 security personnel were killed in an attack on an army base; the victims included soldiers, police officers, and civil defence personnel. The military suspected that fighters linked to the Islamic State had carried out the attack. In a separate development, a military airstrike targeting a suspected IS camp in the Lake Chad region killed 20 fishermen. 
 
Somalia: Eight killed in a suicide attack in Mogadishu
On 25 September, eight people were killed in a suicide car bomb near the presidential palace in Mogadishu. A government spokesperson said that an advisor of women and human rights affairs in the Prime Minister's office were among the casualties. A police spokesperson said the number of casualties could be higher. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, and said the suicide bomber driving the car was targeting a convoy entering the presidential palace.  
 
Democratic Republic of the Congo: WHO probe reveals over 80 cases of sexual abuse by staff in DRC
On 28 September, an independent study commissioned by the World Health Organization revealed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had witnessed more than 80 cases of sexual abuse by the WHO staff from 2018 to 2020 during the Ebola outbreak. The report presented by the study documented accounts from women wherein they said the staff had abused and raped several women, without protection and often forced the women to undergo abortions; some women were offered work in exchange for sex. The WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus called the report "harrowing" and said he would make sure the perpetrators were held accountable. 
 
South Sudan: Nine out of ten states engulfed in conflict, says UN report 
On 23 September, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan outlined the security situation in the country, warning that it is undergoing a humanitarian crisis wherein the population is stuck in a cycle of violence, abuse and poverty. The Commission submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council, in which it said that nine out of the ten states in South Sudan are engulfed in "alarming levels of conflict." The report lists the prevalence of sexual abuse, enforced disappearances, recruitment of child soldiers across the country. Further, the Commission Chair outlined accused governors of the ruling party of carrying out extrajudicial killings and said these actions are "sufficiently similar, widespread and systematic," and implied that they may amount to crimes against humanity. 
 
Peace and Conflict from Europe and the Americas
Russia: Foreign Ministry threatens to "retaliate" after YouTube deleted Russian channel
On 29 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs threatened to block YouTube after a state-backed broadcaster Russia Today's German-language channels were deleted. The ministry described the removal as "unprecedented information aggression" stating, "a proposal to develop and take retaliatory measures against the YouTube hosting service and the German media." Similarly, Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor said it wanted YouTube to reverse its decision "as soon as possible," demanding that "all restrictions be lifted."
 
Italy: 686 migrants arrive in Lampedusa
On 27 September, a boat carrying 686 migrants arrived in Lampedusa, an Italian island port. According to the United Nations' refugee agency, this is the single biggest arrival of migrants in Italy in five years. Previously, the Italian Coast Guard rescued 125 migrants who were found on the rocky shore of a tiny uninhabited isle after one of two boats partially sunk near Lampedusa. According to an aid group, the migrants left Libya and came from Egypt, Morocco, Chad, Ethiopia, Syria, Nigeria, Sudan and Senegal.
 
Switzerland: Voters approve Same-Sex marriage through a referendum 
On 26 September, Switzerland agreed to legalize civil marriage as well as the right to adopt children for same-sex couples by a two-thirds majority in a referendum. According to the results, 64.1 per cent of voters voted in favour of same-sex marriage in the nationwide referendum. Through this Switzerland has become one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalize gay marriage.
 
Poland: Three polish regional councils vote to revoke 'LGBT free zones'
On 27 September, three Polish regional councils voted to repeal motions declaring their provinces "LGBT-free zones" after the European Union threatened to withdraw funding. Councillors in the Podkarpackie, Lubelskie and Malopolskie provinces adopted motions declaring themselves free of "LGBT ideology." Previously, the EU wrote to five Polish regional councils asking them to abandon declarations that they are "LGBT-free" to receive funding.
 
France: Government tightens entry visa requirements from Maghrib countries 
On 28 September, a French government spokesperson stated that France has decided to tighten entry visa requirements for citizens from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia after they "refuse" to issue the consular passes needed for the return of migrants pushed back by France. The spokesperson said: "It's a drastic decision, an unprecedented decision, but it's a decision made necessary by the fact that these countries don't take back citizens that we don't want and we can't keep in France," adding that these countries behaviour "slows down the effectiveness" of expulsions once the order to leave French territory has been issued.
 
Denmark: Government backs extending a ban on mink farming
On 28 September, the government announced its plan to extend a ban on farming of minks for another year. According to the agriculture minister: "The only thing to do is to extend by a year the ban that has been in place this year." Following the announcement followed a statement by infections disease agency State Serum Institute which maintained that such farms could present a health risk to humans. In 2020, Denmark announced it would cull over 15 million minks after the discovery of a mutated version of the coronavirus.
 
The UK: New tensions over fishing rights with France
On 29 September, BBC reported that fresh tensions have surfaced between the UK and France over post-Brexit fishing rights. The UK announced its decision to allow 12 licences from 47 bids for smaller vessels to fish in its territorial waters, adding that it would consider further evidence to support remaining bids for fishing rights. In response, French Maritime Minister said: "It's a new refusal by the British to implement the conditions of the Brexit agreement despite all the work we have done together," adding, "I have only one item on the agenda: to obtain definitive licences for our fishermen as foreseen by the accord. French fishing should not be taken hostage by the British for political ends." 
 
Mexico: President Lopez offers apology to the Yaqui indigenous people
On 28 September, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador offered an official apology to the Yaqui indigenous people for crimes committed against their ancestors during the bloody 1521 Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire. He said: "The Mexican state must never again allow marginalization, abuse or injustice against the Yaquis or any other ethnic or cultural group," adding, "We're here to try to repair as much as possible the damage that has been inflicted on the Yaqui people." Additionally, he promised that his government is committed to a "justice plan" that would return land to the Yaquis.
 
Chile: Lawmakers take 'first steps' towards decriminalizing abortions
On 28 September, the lower house of Congress approved a plan to debate a bill that would expand women's access to legal abortions. Despite opposition from Chile's centre-right government, the lower house passed the motion with 75 votes in favour versus 68 against, with two abstentions. The proposed bill seeks to legalize the termination of a pregnancy up to 14 weeks. This is the "first step" through which Chile would join a small list of Latin American countries that are easing restrictions on the procedure.

About the authors
Avishka Ashok is a Research Assistant at the School of Conflict and Security Studies in NIAS. Vaishnavi Iyer is a Research Intern. Apoorva Sudhakar and Abigail Miriam Fernandez are Research Associates at the School of Conflict and Security Studies in NIAS.

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