NEWS

World Uyghur Congress Joins Formation of Coalition Against Transnational Repression in Germany
On August 12, the World Uyghur Congress announced that it is joining forces with 10 other human rights and diaspora organisations in Germany to create the “Coalition Against Transnational Repression in Germany” (TNR Coalition). The coalition aims to raise awareness about the threat of transnational repression and its impact on human rights, freedom, and security in Germany. In a joint press release, the organisations emphasised that transnational repression poses a significant threat not only to individual safety but also to democratic principles and the rule of law. They called for increased attention and action from both the public and policymakers and advocated for a more robust response to these violations. Founding members include Tibet Initiative Deutschland e.V., Mikroskop Media, JAM e.V., veto! Human Rights Defenders’ Network – German Section e.V., the Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) e.V., Freiheit für Hongkong e.V., MangMang Magazine, Reporter ohne Grenzen e.V. (RSF), Belarusische Gemeinschaft Razam e.V., the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), and Verein der Tibeter in Deutschland e.V.

Uyghur Official Sentenced to 20 Years for ‘Two-Faced’ Actions
On August 8, Radio Free Asia reported that former Uyghur official Ahat Sayit is serving a 20-year prison sentence for actions deemed “two-faced” by the Chinese authorities. The former chief of Yarkand County in East Turkistan attempted to mediate during a violent incident between Chinese soldiers and Uyghur officials to prevent the officials from being shot during a crackdown in July 2014. This incident, known among Uyghurs as the Ilishqu Massacre, resulted in numerous deaths and led to his arrest in 2017 under accusations of being “two-faced,” a term used by authorities to describe Uyghur officials who are seen as disloyal for not fully complying with directives and showing sympathy toward other Uyghurs. Ahat Sayit is among 300 officials and police who were arrested for being “nice to the people who caused the incident”. 

U.S. Bans Imports from Five More Chinese Firms Over Uyghur Forced Labor
On August 8, Reuters reported that the United States added five additional Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List due to human rights abuses and forced labour involving Uyghurs. The import ban includes Hong Kong-based Rare Earth Magnesium Technology Group Holdings and its parent, Century Sunshine Group Holdings, which produce magnesium fertiliser and alloy products. Also targeted is Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co, a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Co, involved in mining nonferrous metals.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List restricts imports connected to the genocide and state-imposed forced labor of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples, and includes over 70 entities linked to various industries, including cotton, automotive, and solar.

China Expands Influence with New Border Villages
On August 10, a New York Times analysis, in collaboration with RAIC Labs, uncovered China’s extensive efforts to strengthen its border regions through the creation of new settlements known as “border guardians.”  By strategically establishing civilian settlements along its contested borders with India, Bhutan, Nepal, and others, China is reinforcing its territorial claims and enhancing security. These “border guardian” villages, populated by government-relocated residents, act as front-line monitors in disputed areas. They support military operations by providing infrastructure such as roads, internet access, and power, facilitating rapid troop deployment.

This expansion strategy, which gained momentum around 2016, includes both the creation of new villages and the expansion of existing ones in Tibet, East Turkistan, and Yunnan. Residents in these outposts serve as the eyes and ears for the Chinese government, deterring intruders and ensuring that the border remains secure. Additionally, China’s relocation policy functions as a form of social engineering, aimed at assimilating groups like Tibetans into the mainstream. Traditional Buddhist practices are notably absent in these new settlements, replaced by a pervasive display of national flags and portraits of Xi Jinping, with Buddhist monasteries and temples conspicuously missing. 

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This pivotal event will unite Uyghur leaders and allies to build a strong democratic leadership and advance our shared goals for justice and human rights. Your donation will help us cover essential costs and ensure the success of this pivotal event. Please donate here. 

Join the Six Cities European Tour with Miras Silk Road Collective
Join the Miras Silk Road Collective, including Rahima Mahmut, WUC UK Director, as they embark on their Six Cities European tour, starting in Brussels on September 1, 2024. Experience the richness of Uyghur culture and music as they travel through Europe, concluding in Ankara on September 15, 2024.