NEWS

World Uyghur Congress Hosts UNPO General Assembly
From May 10-12, the World Uyghur Congress hosted the UNPO General Assembly, where representatives from various unrepresented nations and peoples came together to exchange experiences, discuss future projects, and address challenges, with a focus on human rights, democracy, and the right to self-determination. Established in 1991, the UNPO serves as an international membership organisation with over 40 members, providing a platform for marginalised communities to voice concerns and advocate for their rights globally.  Members consist of Indigenous Peoples, minorities, and unrecognised or occupied territories. During the General Assembly, UNPO members voted for the new presidency. Dr. Rubina Greenwood of the World Sindhi Congress was elected president, and Elisenda Paluzie of the Catalans was elected as vice-president.

World Uyghur Congress and GLAN Appeal Against UK Ruling on Cotton Imports
On May 15th, the World Uyghur Congress and Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) appealed a 2023 High Court ruling in favour of the UK Government, which could give the green light to import cotton into the UK produced by Uyghurs in East Turkistan. In 2021, the WUC initiated a legal challenge following the refusal of the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force, and HM Revenue & Customs to investigate the importation of cotton products from East Turkistan. It has been asserted that the UK’s National Crime Agency has fallen short in preventing the importation of forced labour cotton by neglecting to investigate the importing companies. Despite this claim, the judgement ruled in favour of the UK authorities, who possess the authority to probe these imports but have opted not to do so, and dismissed the WUC’s challenge. Rahima Mahmut, UK Director of WUC, emphasised the urgency of accountability in a joint press release with GLAN, stating: “Doing nothing enables the CCP to continue profiting from these atrocities.We have been fighting for justice for the last 7-years, yet the scale of goods produced through Uyghur forced labour is increasing. It’s not just what the CCP is doing, but the complicity of others that is enabling the genocide of my people.”

Additionally, Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG), along with the WUC, GLAN, and Lawyers for Uyghur Rights (LFUR), called for urgent action against the ongoing Uyghur genocide. The submission urged criminal penalties for non-compliance and bans on goods produced through forced labour, aligning with US and EU legislation. It emphasised the need for immediate measures to ensure supply chains are slavery-free.

Uyghur Activist Relocated To Secure Area Following Threat In Paris
On May 13, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on the relocation of Gulbahar Jelilova, a Uyghur businesswoman and camp survivor, who resides in Paris, to a safe place after unidentified individuals approached her home, sparking concerns for her safety. The incident occurred after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to France. While French authorities have remained silent on the matter, suspicions linger about potential involvement or influence by the Chinese government. The unsettling event underscores the growing fear among Uyghur activists of reprisals from China, with Gulbahar Haitiwaji, another Uyghur residing in France and camp survivor, expressing apprehension about potential harm. The incident followed a series of protests by Tibetan, Uyghur, and Chinese activists against Xi’s visit, including encounters with French-speaking counter-protesters, raising questions about the motives behind such actions and prompting concerns over the safety of Uyghur activists in Europe. Dolkun Isa, the WUC President, expressed suspicion that the counter-protests were orchestrated by the Chinese government, suggesting they could be “the result of the Chinese government’s arrangements, funding, or organisation.”

New Amnesty International Study on China Targeting Overseas Students
Amnesty International’s latest research explores the difficulties faced by Chinese and Hong Kong international students, who face constant fear of intimidation, harassment, and surveillance by Chinese authorities, aiming to prevent them from engaging with ‘sensitive’ or political issues. Based on interviews conducted with 32 students across Europe and North America between 2018 and 2023, the study reveals a prevalent ‘chilling effect’ that stifles free expression and engagement in academic and social life. This highlights a widespread atmosphere of fear and transnational repression, with the Chinese government’s repression impacting academic freedom and human rights. Consequently, many of the students feel compelled to self-censor in both academic and social settings, leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and negative impacts on their mental health. The report stresses the urgency for governments and universities to protect international students’ rights.

PARTICIPATE

Ask Volkswagen to Close its Plant in East Turkistan
Despite growing evidence of the ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs, Volkswagen continues to operate in East Turkistan. The World Uyghur Congress is collecting signatures to demand Volkswagen to close down its plant in Urumqi. Please sign here!

Support Uyghurs’ Genocide & Crimes Against Humanity Case in Argentina
The World Uyghur Congress and the Uyghur Human Rights Project have launched a criminal case in the courts of Argentina in relation to the international crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity being committed against the Uyghur people. Please donate and be a part of this historic case.