In the last few days, the Indian Government has shut down phone and internet connections, arbitrarily detained political leaders, evacuated tourists and restricted freedom of movement. It is disturbing to think of the human rights abuses that could be occurring under the cover of this communications blackout, particularly with an influx of tens of thousands of additional troops.

More than one million Uygurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities are detained in Xinjiang by the Chinese government in what the UN calls re-education camps. This mass detention of Uygurs against their will in internment camps is a total abuse of human rights. This systemic oppression includes the erosion of ethnic identity of the Uygur people and imposition of religious restrictions in a region that has transformed into a surveillance state.

Following Four Corners last night, which showed families being torn apart by the Chinese Government’s mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, leader of the Australian Greens Richard Di Natale called for the Australian Government to take urgent action.
 
Di Natale said: “We are seeing the Chinese Government commit cultural genocide against the Uighur people.  More than one million people have been rounded up and put in massive internment camps.  The mass surveillance in Xinjiang is frightening, as is the forced labour and restrictions on free movement.  

Following Four Corners last night, which showed families being torn apart by the Chinese Government’s mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, leader of the Australian Greens Richard Di Natale called for the Australian Government to take urgent action.
 
Di Natale said: “We are seeing the Chinese Government commit cultural genocide against the Uighur people.  More than one million people have been rounded up and put in massive internment camps.  The mass surveillance in Xinjiang is frightening, as is the forced labour and restrictions on free movement.  

I rise today to show my solidarity with the people of Sudan, who are demanding an end to human rights abuses and violence, and a genuine transition to democratic, civilian rule. In December last year peaceful protests broke out across Sudan calling for economic reforms and an end to the 30-year rule of the dictator Omar al-Bashir. This incredible social movement saw thousands of people put their lives at risk. Hundreds, perhaps more, were killed protesting against the government.

The Australian Greens express solidarity with Sudanese people, both in Sudan and in the Sudanese-Australian community, in the lead-up to their global protest on 30 June.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale said: “I am gravely concerned by the appalling human rights abuses that are occurring in Sudan right now.  Hundreds of protestors holding non-violent sit-ins have been killed, and many more injured.  These people were bravely calling for a civilian-led Government and an end to the violent crushing of dissent that they have known for so long.”

The Australian Greens are gravely concerned at reports today that the Morrison Government is considering joining Donald Trump in his counter-productive and erratic so-called strategy to pressure Iran.

The Australian Greens are deeply concerned at the Hong Kong Government’s proposed new extradition agreement with China.  The proposal will undermine Hong Kong’s independent legal system, and it will expose people to China’s unjust system, Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale said.

The Australian Greens are extremely concerned at comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend that, if re-elected, he will “extend sovereignty” to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
 
In response to the comments, Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale said:  “Any annexation, even a partial one, of the West Bank would be a serious violation of international law.  It would represent yet another huge blow to the prospect of a two state solution, and would be disastrous for Israel’s democracy.”
 

Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Senator for NSW, has has responded to Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton’s disgraceful comments attacking her this morning. Senator Faruqi is the first Muslim woman to serve in any Australian Parliament and Australia’s only Muslim Senator.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Peter Dutton is the Minister for Home Affairs and is meant to be keeping us safe. For some time we have been saying he isn’t fit for the job but this morning’s tone deaf comments further prove it.