Winter Olympics: IOC says China human rights ‘not within’ remit

IOC dismisses calls to challenge China over its treatment of the Uighur minority ahead of next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics.

A senior member of the International Olympic Committee has swatted aside suggestions that China should be challenged over its human rights record before the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

IOC Vice President John Coates on Wednesday rejected calls from rights groups and US lawmakers for the IOC to postpone next year’s games and relocate the event unless China ends what the United States has deemed continuing genocide against Uighurs and other Muslim minority groups.

When asked about the treatment of the Uighur minority in China, he said the body has no mandate to act.