Uyghurs (or Uighurs, Uygurs) are ethnically and culturally a Turkic people living in the areas of Central Asia commonly known as East Turkistan. Today, Uyghurs practice a moderate form of Islam and lead predominantly secular lives. There are an estimated 20 million Uyghurs living in East Turkistan and abroad, though Chinese sources put the number at 11.65 million.

East Turkistan, situated in the heart of Asia and lying on the fabled ancient Silk Road, is the historical homeland of the Turkic-speaking Uyghurs and other Central Asian peoples. East Turkistan has effectively been occupied by China since 1949. East Turkistan neighbors nine countries – Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tibet & China.

Under decades of repressive rule, the existence of the Uyghur nation is under threat as the Chinese government continues to carry out deliberate policies opposing centuries-old tradition, culture & religion. Human rights violations remain pervasive including persecution on cultural and religious grounds, arbitrary arrests and the silencing of peaceful dissent.