News

UK Parliament Unanimously Adopts Motion Declaring China’s Actions against Uyghurs A Genocide
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has applauded the unanimous passing of the genocide motion in the British House of Commons. By voting in favour of the motion, British MPs have taken a strong position that underscores that the UK cannot sit in silence whilst national parliaments around the world are debating this exact question. This motion comes at a crucial moment just several weeks after the Dutch and the Canadian Parliament as well as the US government determined the atrocities against Uyghurs as genocide. ‘’It is an important step in the right direction that British MPs have joined the momentum and call it what it is: a genocide.’’ said WUC President Dolkun Isa.

The WUC expresses its heartfelt thanks to all supporters of the genocide motion, both to those MPs who have voted in favour as well as those from civil society who have advocated tirelessly for its adoption. The WUC further calls upon other governments to follow suit and make concrete efforts to work towards a legal determination of the crimes against Uyghurs.

Public Hearing on the Uyghur Genocide in the German and Lithuanian Parliament
The World Uyghur Congress has welcomed the announcement of a Public Hearing in the German Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, which is set to debate if the Chinese government’s human rights violations against the Uyghurs constitute a genocide.

Furthermore this week, the Lithuanian Parliament held a public hearing on the human rights situation in China. During the hearing MPs, MEPs and experts debated if the Chinese government is committing a genocide against the Uyghurs. 

“What Uyghurs Expect from Chancellor Merkel” – WUC President’s OP-ED
On April 21, WUC President Dolkun Isa was features in Die Welt with an op-ed that urges Chancellor Merkel and Germany to adopt a firm stance on the Uyghur genocide. Despite clear evidence of the serious human rights violations against the Uyghur people, the German government has so far been very reluctant to publicly criticize the Chinese government for these atrocities. ”For us Uyghurs, it is disheartening to live here and watch our newfound homeland remain silent. […] If genocide is not the red line, what will be?” Mr. Isa wrote, in criticism of the German government’s stance towards the Uyghur genocide. 

Human Rights Watch and Stanford Law Conclude Chinese Government Commits Crimes against Humanity
New research and legal analysis by Human Rights Watch and Stanford Law Mills Legal Clinic, published this week, concludes that China’s government is committing crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Turkic communities in East Turkistan. “The Chinese leadership is responsible for widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, and cultural persecution, among other offenses” the report explains its findings. It also calls for coordinated international actions to “sanction those responsible, advance accountability, and press the Chinese government to reverse course”. While the report limits itself to a finding of crimes against humanity, it states that nothing precludes a finding of genocide if the requirement of genocidal intent can be proven.

STPI and WUC Call on on Bavarian Politicians to stop supporting the Bavarian-Chinese-Spring-Festival
On April 21, the WUC and Society for Threatened Peoples issued a joint press release calling on the government of Bavaria and Munich to withdraw their patronage for the Bavarian-Chinese-Spring-Festival. They stated that while the Chinese Government is committing genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic groups, Bavarian politicians cannot support an  event that promotes China’s aggressive diplomacy.

Australia Cancels the Belt and Road deals with China
On April 21, the Australian Government announced that it will cancel two Belt and Road deals with China on the grounds of being “inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations”. As Australia is under increasing threats and intimidation from the Chinese government, which has restricted much of its import in various Australian products, it is important that Australia continues its firm stance in promoting universal human rights and an international rules-based order.

Human Rights Foundation Webinar Series on the Uyghur Genocide
On April 22, WUC Program and Advocacy Manager Zumretay Arkin spoke on a panel entitled “the ”Complicity and Clothing: Xinjiang Cotton and the Fashion Industry”. This event was organised by high level human rights organisations and think tanks including the Harvard Kennedy School Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. 

Participate

Online Panel ” The Confucius-Institutes: China’s long Arm in Germany”
On April 24, the WUC and “Aktionsbündnis Ingolstadt für die Wahrung der Menschenrechte der Uiguren” is hosting a panel on the Confucius Institutes in Germany with representatives from German Politics and civil society. More information and registration here.

Conference on Social Responsibility and the Uyghur Crisis
On April 29, RRSE will hold an expert conference on social responsibility and the Uyghur crisis with Zumretay Arkin, WUC Advocacy and Program Director. Please register here.