World Uyghur Congress 3rd General Assembly

World Uyghur Congress Third General Assembly

The World Uyghur Congress successfully held its Third General Assembly in Washington, DC from May 21-25, 2009. WUC delegates from the United States, Canada, the Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan attended this assembly.

Held in conjunction with the meeting was a conference on the Uyghur conflict entitled, East Turkestan: 60 Years under Communist Chinese Rule, that took place on May 18th and 19th, prior to the Assembly. During the week beginning on Monday, May 18th – officially designated by the WUC as “Uyghur Week” –WUC delegates, Uyghur human right activists, government officials, legislators and academics attended these two important events.

Prior to the events, Ms. Rebiya Kadeer said, “Uyghur Week in Washington, DC is a milestone for the Uyghur people as they aspire for human rights, democracy and freedom in East Turkestan. The opening of the World Uyghur Congress Third General Assembly at the U.S. Capitol has profound historical significance and symbolism; Uyghurs across the world look to the United States and its representatives as leaders in the struggle against tyranny and repression. Accordingly, members of the U.S. Senate and House,  as well as dignitaries, prominent human rights defenders, and leaders of the Tibetan and Chinese communities will address Uyghur congressional delegates and their supporters from around the world.”