The Chinese government once again has banned government employees, students, and children from fasting, and in some cases praying, during Ramadan. While restrictions on Uighur Muslims’ religious practices take place year round, they are particularly onerous during Ramadan, giving lie to the government’s claim that Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang enjoy religious freedom. They do not. The Chinese government is violating its own constitution and international human rights standards by denying religious freedom to its citizens.
Thursday, July 07, 2016
USCIRF Criticizes China's Restrictions On Muslims During Ramadan
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom yesterday issued a statement (full text) strongly criticizing restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on religious practices during Ramadan, ending with Eid al-Fitr. USCIRF Chair Thomas Reese, S.J. said:
