Statement about continued repression in East Turkestan
FAPA, 1 July 2013
(Washington, D.C. – July 1st 2013) — On the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the crackdown by the PRC authorities in Urumqi, East Turkestan, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs – a Taiwanese-American grassroots organization in Washington DC –expresses its deep concern about the continued repression in East Turkestan by the Chinese authorities.
As Taiwanese-American citizens, who have settled in the United States, we adhere to the value system based on human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law that forms the basis for society here. It pains us to see that our brothers and sisters in Tibet and EastTurkestan still have to suffer repression by the Chinese regime in Beijing.
The events of 5 July 2009 in Urumqi are regrettably part of a wider patters of repression and violation of the human rights of the people of East Turkestan. Only recently, on 26 June 2013, there were disturbances in the Lukchun Township, Pichan Country which led to the death of at least 35 persons. These events show that Chinese repression goes on to this day.
As sad as the recent story of East Turkestan has been under Chinese brutal rule, it is also a story of determination using non-violence and compassion as advocated by Ms. Rebiya Kadeer. How frustrated the Chinese leaders must be that despite every cruelty they impose on the people of East Turkestan, the issue of East Turkestan continues to grow internationally and in the consciousness of free thinking compassionate people the world over.
In fact, Taiwanese and Taiwanese-Americans take note of the history and lessons of what the Uyghur people and Tibetans have gone through in their quest to live in freedom and dignity, and in their struggle for the right to self-determination.
As Taiwanese-Americans we strongly believe in the basic principles of human rights and self-determination as laid down in the Charter of the United Nations, and we call on the Chinese authorities to cease the repressive measures in East Turkestan, as well as in other occupied regions such as Tibet.
We also call on the United States government of President Barack Obama to prevail upon the Chinese authorities to cease all government-sponsored crackdowns in East Turkestan and Tibet, including against people involved in peaceful protests or religious or political expression.
Mark Kao, PhD
President, Formosan Association for Public Affairs