Bachelet seeks Xinjiang trip amid reports of Uighur persecution

UN human rights chief says she is pressing for ‘meaningful access’ to the region this year.

UN human rights chief Michele Bachelet has said she hopes to agree terms for a visit this year to China, including its Xinjiang region, to look into reports of serious violations against the Uighur minority. “I continue to discuss with China modalities for a visit, including meaningful access, to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” Bachelet said on Monday, addressing the opening of a Human Rights Council session in Geneva. “[I] hope this can be achieved this year, particularly as reports of serious human rights violations continue to emerge.”