30/06/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 30 June, the spokeswoman for the European External Action Service, Virginie Battu, reiterated the EU’s request for an assessment of the situation of the Uighurs, following the publication of an Associated Press survey showing that an aggressive birth control campaign is being conducted in Xinjiang. This reportedly include acts of sterilisation and abortion. “If this is confirmed, these appalling practices must be stopped; they are serious human rights violations, and those responsible must be held accountable”, Battu said. She reiterated that the EU expects China to provide “meaningful access” and a “favourable environment” for independent observers, with a view to an “independent, objective, impartial and transparent” assessment of issues of major concern to the Uighurs (see EUROPE 12394/22). (CG)