New York- In a recent report, Human Rights Watch criticized China’s government for significantly reducing the number of mosques in Ningxia and Gansu provinces under its controversial “mosque consolidation” policy. The report alleges that the Chinese authorities are violating the right to freedom of religion, accusing them of closing, demolishing, and repurposing mosques, as well as removing Islamic architectural features. Human Rights Watch argues that this systematic effort aims to curb the practice of Islam in China.
– China’s “mosque consolidation” policy is accused of violating freedom of religion.
– Mosques in Ningxia and Gansu provinces are allegedly closed, demolished, and repurposed.
– Islamic architectural features like domes and minarets have been removed from many mosques.
– The Chinese government claims the policy aims to reduce the economic burden on Muslims.
The policy, mentioned in a 2018 central Chinese Communist Party document, aims to “Sinicize” Islam and standardize the management of Islamic religious venues. While the government contends it’s reducing the economic burden on Muslims, critics argue it is a broader effort to reshape religions in line with CCP ideology. Some Hui Muslims oppose the policy, leading to incidents like the indictment of five individuals in Ningxia for “creating disturbances.”
Human Rights Watch calls for the reversal of the Sinicization campaign on religions, urging foreign governments, particularly those in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to press China to cease the mosque consolidation policy. The report alleges a disregard for freedom of religion and calls for direct action at international forums.
Satellite imagery and videos analyzed by Human Rights Watch indicate significant destruction in villages, with mosques being closed, main buildings razed, and architectural features removed. Critics argue that these actions aim to dissuade people from practicing their faith, and surveillance systems are installed in remaining mosques.
As the Chinese government faces criticism for its mosque consolidation policy, the international community is urged to address religious freedom concerns directly with China. Human Rights Watch contends that the policies show a disregard for freedom of religion for all religious communities in the country.
