OIC ‘concerned’ over Muslim situation in China

JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its “deep concern” over reports by the media and international organizations indicating human rights violations of the Muslim minority in Xinjiang region.
“They are denied the right to practice the fourth pillar of Islam (fasting during the month of Ramadan) and the right to observe their religious rituals in this holy month,” OIC observed in a statement on Saturday.
China banned its Muslim population in the Xinjiang region, mainly civil servants, students and teachers, from fasting during Ramadan and ordered restaurants to stay open.
“Food service workplaces will operate normal hours during Ramadan,” said a notice recently posted on the website of the state Food and Drug Administration in Xinjiang’s Jinghe county.
Officials in the region’s Bole county were told that “during Ramadan they should not engage in fasting, vigils or other religious activities,” according to a local government website report of a meeting this week.
The OIC in its statement stressed “the need to protect the rights of the Muslim minority, foremost of which is the right to observe their religious practices without harassment or any direct or indirect breaches.”
OIC Secretary-General Iyad Madani called on the government of China to proceed expeditiously with an investigation of such abuses, and ensure the safety and security of the Muslim minority to practice their religious rights in accordance with relevant international covenants and instruments.