The planned Swiss-China dialogue on human rights has been delayed by China after Beijing objected to a letter Switzerland co-signed this summer calling for the closure of Uighur camps in Xinjiang, say media reports.
Switzerland was among 22 Western countries at the United Nations to urge China in July to stop holding members of its Muslim population in detention centres, a move which was criticised by China at the time.
Discussions on the human rights talks are still taking place, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) told Keystone-SDA on Friday, in reaction to reports of the postponement that had appeared on Swiss public television RTSExternal link and in the media. It did not give any reasons for the delay, according to RTS.
During a meeting of the Switzerland-China strategic dialogue forum on October 22, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and his counterpart Wang both expressed their interest in having a dialogue.
Human rights dialogue between China and Switzerland has been taking place since 1991. Since then, 16 rounds of discussions have taken place, which means there have been a few years without dialogue, the FDFA said.
According to RTS, China objected to Switzerland’s statement being public; it prefers to discuss sensitive subjects behind closed doors. The topics of the human rights dialogue always remain confidential, the report said.
Switzerland has also made statements on the camps since the summer. At the end of November, the Swiss foreign ministry said China should heed the concerns expressed by various countries and allow United Nations observers “unimpeded access” to inspect the camps.
More
More
Switzerland joins calls demanding closure of Uighur camps
This content was published on
Switzerland has called on China to close internment camps in Xinjiang where at least a million ethnic minority Muslims are reportedly being held.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
COP29: Swiss NGOs call for strong financial support
This content was published on
Ahead of COP29, Swiss NGOs call for wealthy nations to pay $1,000 billion a year to help other countries solve climate problems.
Real Swiss wages likely to rise in 2025, says UBS bank
This content was published on
Higher wages and falling inflation are likely to boost Swiss purchasing power, which will be dragged back by rising health premiums.
This content was published on
Switzerland has a new tectonic map at a scale of 1:500,000, containing updates to geometry, distribution and nomenclature of the tectonic units.
This content was published on
Swiss artist Daniel Spoerri, known for his artworks using leftover food with dirty cutlery and crockery, has passed away in Vienna at the age of 94.
Climate change tipped to alter Swiss avalanche patterns by 2100
This content was published on
Climate change is expected to result in fewer avalanches overall in Switzerland but to increase the danger of wet snow avalanches by 2100.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
UBS accused of investing in Chinese firm behind surveillance of Uighurs
This content was published on
The bank is believed to hold shares in the Hikvision group whose products are used to monitor the Uighurs in detention camps and public spaces.
Uighur exile leader calls on Switzerland to curb China ties
This content was published on
“The time for expressions of concern is over,” said Dolkun Isa, the president of the World Uighur Congress, in an interview with swissinfo.ch in Geneva. The exile group says it campaigns for self-determination. Chinese government representatives have previously denounced members of the group as terrorists and criminals. Isa’s visit comes amid growing criticism globally, including…
China blasts Swiss-signed letter criticising Xinjiang policies
This content was published on
China has attacked a statement by 22 Western countries, including Switzerland, urging it to stop detaining members of its Muslim population.
Switzerland urges China to close Uighur detention camps
This content was published on
China faced criticism by Switzerland in Geneva on Tuesday concerning detention camps allegedly holding up to one million Uighurs and other Muslims.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.