The Uyghurs are a predominantly Muslim, Turkic ethnicity who live in China’s North-Western Xinjiang Province
Traditionally known as East Turkistan, the province has been a prominent center of commerce for more than 2000 years. Beautiful, rich in culture as it is in resources, it has given birth to many civilizations and has been a cradle of scholarship, culture and power.
Borders
Its borders with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Kashmir, Kyrgyzstan, India, Afghanistan and Tajikistan make East Turkestan geographically lucrative for trade, tourism and development.
Natural Resources
Accounting for nearly 1/5th of the tomatoes used for making the world’s ketchup and thousands of tonnes of high quality cotton for textile exports, East Turkestan is blessed with many natural resources. Some of these include salt, soda, borax, gold and jade.
Fossil Fuels
Along with 150 billion barrels of oil reserves and 23.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas, East Turkestan also accounts for 40% of China’s coal reserves, making it a centre for potential investment and growth.
What is happening to them?
Inside Camps
China’s massive concentration camps are essentially a no-rights zone for Uyghurs who end up there for basically just being Uyghur. There is no dignity.
‘Life’ Outside
Those still outside, remain stuck in a police state with massive surveillance, no privacy and the constant threat of ending up like the others who are in camps.
How the world is reacting to their plight
Statement from Imams
Over 100 Muslim Imams, Scholars and Community Leaders have signed a statement condemning China’s actions and calling on China to treat Uyghur Muslims fairly.
United Nations
The UN has been requesting access to Chinese camps amid growing concerns over the mistreatment of Uyghur Muslims there. It is calling for China to immediately release all those illegally detained in camps.
United States
The U.S. is in the process of reviving a bill that proposes sanctions against Chinese officials and companies linked to allegations of human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky Act.
Bangladesh
Bangladeshi Muslims have protested China’s ill-treatment of Uyghur Muslims through demonstrations.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is using its diplomacy and its position as one of China’s major trade allies to raise concern over what is happening in East Turkestan.
United Kingdom
Over $20 bn. worth of projects awarded to Chinese companies have been cancelled. Malaysia refused to return 11 detained Uyghurs back to China.
Malaysia
Over $20 bn. worth of projects awarded to Chinese companies have been cancelled. Malaysia refused to return 11 detained Uyghurs back to China, showing its stance on the issue through its clear defiance of China.
OIC
The OIC expressed concerns over China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims, stating that its newly introduced regulations were excessive in nature and enabled authorities to justify the camps. It also stated that it hoped China would address the concerns of the Muslim world.
Pakistan
Pakistan has urged the Chinese to ease pressure on the Uyghurs and the country’s Foreign Minister for Religious Affairs spoke out saying that China’s measures would fuel extremism.
Indonesia
Indonesia is urging to take the Uyghur issue to the OIC and the Indonesian Foreign Ministry has called on China to respect freedom of religion. Protests held in support of Uyghurs are attended by hundreds and many organizations within the country are drawing attention to the issue.
India
Indian Muslims are protesting the human rights abuse that China is carrying out against its indigenous Uyghur Muslim population.
What Uyghurs want
No more camps
China must close all concentration camps and release all those unjustly held.
Religious Freedom
China must allow Uyghur Muslims to live their lives according to their Muslim faith.
Family Respect
No taking away of children or placing men as forced guests in Uyghur family homes.
Uyghur Identity
The freedom to be Uyghur without interference from the Chinese government.
Condemnation
Condemnation of what China’s arbitrary detentions and human rights abuses in East Turkestan.
Protection of Life
Protection of the life of all Uyghur people currently being held in concentration camps or prisons.
Communication
Allow Uyghurs living abroad to visit their homelands and resume all communication of Uyghurs with the outside world.
Accountability
Allow members of international organizations to visit East Turkestan to document and bring to light abuses and loss of life.
Time is running out.
Do your part.