CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2025, 4:15 PM EST
Contact: contact@campaignforuyghurs.org
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https://campaignforuyghurs.org/
Campaign for Uyghurs Commemorates East Turkistan National Day
Washington, D.C. – Today, on November 12, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) proudly celebrates East Turkistan National Day. This day marks two pivotal moments in Uyghur history: the founding of the Islamic Republic of East Turkistan in 1933 in Kashgar, and the establishment of the Republic of East Turkistan in 1944 in Ghulja. East Turkistan National Day holds a special place in the hearts of Uyghurs worldwide, symbolizing their historical identity, rich cultural heritage, and enduring spirit in the face of oppression.
In 1949, following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Beijing overthrew the Second East Turkistan Republic, colonized East Turkistan, and has since sought to consolidate its control over the Uyghur homeland. Policies of repression, forced assimilation, and other human rights abuses have continued in the occupied land.
Today, the Uyghur people endure an ongoing genocide, marked by arbitrary imprisonment, state-imposed forced labor, family separations, mass surveillance, restrictions on religious and cultural practices, and measures targeting Uyghur reproductive rights are part of a broader effort to erase the Uyghur people’s identity and historical heritage.
“East Turkistan National Day is a reminder of the resilience and courage of the Uyghur people throughout history,” noted CFU’s Founder and Executive Director Rushan Abbas. “Today, we honor our leaders and commemorate our history while reaffirming our determination to fight against the systematic oppression, genocide targeting our community, and colonization of our homeland. We will not rest until our people are freed from unjust detention and are granted the fundamental rights of freedom of movement, speech, and religion, to marry freely, and to raise their children in safety and dignity.”
As we commemorate East Turkistan National Day, CFU calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with the Uyghur people. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to take meaningful action to hold perpetrators accountable, resist forced labor products, support the preservation of Uyghur culture, language, and identity, and guarantee the freedom and self-determination of East Turkistan.
