Mosque Alterations and Demolitions in China

That the Parliament recognises the reports of what it considers is the emerging troubling trend affecting the Hui Muslim community in China; acknowledges the reports of mosque alterations and demolitions across the country, which, it believes, raise concerns about religious freedom, cultural assimilation and human rights violations; understands that widespread alterations to mosques are underway across China, with the government reportedly claiming that these are renovation efforts to modernise and harmonise such religious sites with Chinese culture; notes, however, the perception that this is a direct assault on religious practices, leading to increased tensions and protests; acknowledges reported satellite imagery revealing that at least 1,714 mosques have been altered, stripped or destroyed over the last five years, particularly within regions with a high population of ethnic groups practising Islam, specifically in Ningxia and Gansu, and that over 80% to 90% of mosques with Islamic architecture are being altered; understands that Human Rights Watch sees these reported alterations as violations of freedom of religion, as set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; further understands that China is home to an estimated 20 million Muslims, with over half belonging to the Hui ethnic group, and that there is reportedly a fear among Hui Muslims that the gradual suppression of religion could lead to a future without Islam in China, particularly impacting younger generations; considers that the situation in China prompts critical questions about the protection of religious freedoms, and hopes that the international community closely observes these developments, considers the broader implications for religious and cultural diversity in the country, and raises these issues with the Chinese government as appropriate.