Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Welcomes U.S. Reauthorization of Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act

Washington, D.C. — January 6, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact: Hena Zuberi

hena@justiceforall.org

(202) 922-5878

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign today welcomed the extension of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act beyond its original 2025 expiration date following President Joe Biden’s signing of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. This pivotal legislation strengthens existing measures against the ongoing repression of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in Chinese-occupied East Turkistan.

“We commend the U.S. government for extending critical protections and sanctions that hold Chinese officials and entities accountable for the atrocity crimes committed against Uyghurs,” said Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All. “This reauthorization and expansion of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act underscore the perseverance necessary in safeguarding human rights. However, much more remains to be done to completely cease the ongoing genocide.”

The National Defense Authorization Act reauthorizes vital bills, including the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024, presented by bipartisan sponsors Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Jeff Merkley. It also perpetuates human rights sanctions connected to the situations in Hong Kong, Tibet, and East Turkistan, ensuring continued accountability for human rights abuses.

“For too long, Uyghurs have suffered systematic oppression under the guise of security and economic development. These renewed measures send a clear message, but our mission continues,” stated Arslan Hidayat, Save Uyghur Campaign Team Lead. “We need more collaboration from international partners to bring sustained pressure on the Chinese government until all Uyghur people can enjoy their fundamental freedoms.”

In a firmer stance against forced labor, the legislation heightens prohibitions on federal procurement of goods produced with forced labor from East Turkistan. Importantly, this extends existing bans to include any goods used globally by the Department of Defense, with specific emphasis on solar energy products.

These measures are in line with ongoing international advocacy challenging forced labor practices supply chains stemming from East Turkistan, complementing the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act which bans corresponding imports into the U.S. mainland.

“These developments are crucial, but still provisional. We urge further legislative and diplomatic actions both in our nation and through international forums to stem forced labor, safeguard freedoms, and provide justice for Uyghurs worldwide,” urged Imam Mujahid.

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign, invites all individuals, organizations, and governments to join our mission to end the ongoing genocide in East Turkistan. While the U.S. government’s actions mark an important milestone, we recognize that collective global efforts are essential to achieving true justice and freedom for the Uyghur people.