To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Uighur Muslims detained in China have undergone unwanted blood, tissue and DNA tests; what they believe to be the purpose of any such tests; and whether there is evidence of state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting religious prisoners of conscience, including Uighur Muslims.
Answered on
25 February 2019
We have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and reports of the Chinese Government's deepening crackdown; including credible reports of re-education camps and widespread surveillance and restrictions targeted at ethnic minorities. We are aware of media reports that some Uyghurs may have been subject to unwanted DNA tests.
More broadly, we are aware of reports that allege a process of involuntary organ removal is taking place in China and that minority and religious groups are being specifically targeted. My officials attended the final day of the recent tribunal into organ harvesting allegations, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice, QC. We are aware of the preliminary findings and await the final outcome of the tribunal in spring with interest. With the evidence currently available we cannot substantiate the claims that state-sanctioned organ harvesting is happening in China.