Xinna On Human Rights In Southern Mongolia

Uiles talked about his recent visit with his father on July 14. Prior to obtaining permission to visit his father, Uiles was told by the authorities of new regulations concerning prisoner visits, that any cell phone or camera would not be permitted, and that he should leave such items at the hotel prior to arriving at the prison. When he arrived at the prison, he was throughly searched before being permitted to enter the visitors’ area. The unusual thoroughness of the search was probably related to the heightened security associated with the upcoming Olympics. Uiles found evidence later that his hotel room had been searched while he was visiting his father. Uiles was only allowed a single visit with his father for a duration of only 40 minutes. Although Uiles requested a second meeting, he was told that it would depend on his father’s mental condition, but was later denied a second visit. Regarding Hada’s health, Uiles was told that Hada’s legs and feet were in a great deal of pain and he was having a great deal of difficulty walking. Despite the great deal of pain, Hada is compelled to walk to the prison mess hall if he wants to eat. Hada has sent an appeal to the prison authorities protesting his conditions and treatment. Uiles mentions that Hada was given a medical exam on June 12, to which he was taken in handcuffs and as part of the overall physical examination, given a neurological exam. The results of the medical tests and examination were not provided to Hada or family.

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Xinna spoke today of the further erosion of the nomadic lifestyle in Southern Mongolia. She reported that Ulaan Chab banner’s nomads have been given an end of June deadline to sell their animals and move out to make way for a mining operation. Nomads are being paid 4 Yuans for 1 mou (0.7 hectare) of land. No provisions being offered for relocation or social services to the affected nomads. Ulaan chab aimag had been converted from an IMAR aimag (banner) to a Chinese ‘city’ administrative unit many years ago, and the decision to remove the nomads is yet another indication of Chinese economic decisions which completely ignore Mongol cultural and economic interests . Reference to a Mr. Zorigt, Khangai gacaa resident to provide greater details. The continuing decline of the economic status of the average Mongol in the IMAR is also seen in the sales decline in Xinna’s shop, signs of a dwindling Mongol clientele. No news since Tsagaan (the Mongolian new year) about Hada.

Click to listen to the interview in Chinese