Dear Friends and Allies,
As 2024 comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks for supporting our mission to advocate for Uyghurs facing genocide and crimes against humanity committed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This year, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) achieved key milestones, amplifying global advocacy and raising international awareness of the Uyghur plight. Here’s what we accomplished together:
United Nations Impact:
Our 2024 submission to China’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was cited five times in the UPR stakeholder summary report, solidifying it as a key source for documenting the CCP’s actions in the Uyghur region as genocide. We co-organized a side event at the UN addressing the PRC’s Islamophobia and persecution of Uyghurs. Additionally, we collaborated with UN Watch to expose Alena Douhan’s biased report undermining sanctions targeting the PRC’s Uyghur forced labor.
Strengthening Bipartisan Advocacy:
CFU coordinated the relaunch of the U.S. Uyghur Congressional Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Chris Smith and Tom Suozzi. Shortly after, the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act was introduced.
Through coalition building, we advanced key legislation, including the signing of the TikTok Bill into law and the House passage of the Biosecure Act. The European Parliament passed a resolution that called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas and Ilhaam Tohti. Also, a visa restriction amendment targeting officials responsible for the unjust detention of Dr. Gulshan Abbas passed in the Senate.
Countering Forced Labor:
CFU’s advocacy, combined with the efforts of other stakeholders, played a pivotal role in Volkswagen’s decision to exit the Uyghur region following our exposé of their sham audit. High-level engagements with BASF were instrumental in their decision to withdraw from the region. CFU also co-organized the European Solar Manufacturing Council’s Trilogue, to highlight state-imposed forced labor in renewable energy supply chains ahead of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive discussions.
Empowering Advocates:
Advocacy training workshops in Montreal and Turkey, equipped Uyghur diaspora members and allies with the tools to amplify Uyghur voices and demand justice.
Raising Global Awareness:
CFU and our Executive Director, Rushan Abbas were featured or interviewed 369 times in media outlets including the Financial Times, Dr. Phil the Daily Signal, Voice of America, the National Review and Japan’s Asahi Shimbun. These appearances educated millions worldwide about the ongoing Uyghur genocide.
CFU organized or participated in 83 panels or educational events, educating students, interfaith groups, civil society, diplomats, and policymakers and contextualizing the atrocities within broader discussions of human rights.
This year, screenings of In Search of My Sister were held in 12 countries and 21 cities.
CFU hosted four high-profile events on Capitol Hill, including the launch of new Uyghur language textbooks and 3D models of CCP concentration camps. The event, Uyghur Genocide: Defending Rights, Identity, and Culture, featured an art exhibition and united policymakers, human rights advocates, and community leaders. Other events spotlighted forced organ harvesting and introduced Dr. Susan Palmer’s book, Uyghur Women Activists in the Diaspora.
Recognition at the Highest Levels:
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighted CFU’s work in his remarks on the 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom.
Ms. Rushan Abbas attended the 2024 State of the Union Address as a guest of Representative Chris Smith, marking her third invitation since 2020. She first attended in 2020 with Senator Marco Rubio, now the nominee for Secretary of State. In 2023, she attended with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. She also participated in the Bush Center’s 2024 Forum on Leadership: Protecting Religious Liberties, ensuring the Uyghur plight remains a central to critical global discussions.
In 2024, Ms. Abbas was honored to assume the role of Chairperson of the Executive Committee at the World Uyghur Congress.
These achievements highlight the impact of collective action and sustained support for the Uyghur people. With your support, we continue building global efforts to counter the Uyghur genocide and ensure it is never forgotten.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Our struggle continues. As we confront ongoing challenges, please join us to keep the momentum going:
- Donate to support our advocacy efforts.
- Share our mission within your networks.
- Engage in your communities to raise awareness about Uyghur rights and host CFU for presentations or speaking engagements.
- Host screenings of the documentary “In Search of My Sister.”
Together, we can guarantee the Uyghur genocide remains at the forefront of global consciousness and continue to strengthen mechanisms for accountability and justice.
Thank you for standing with us. Wishing you a peaceful and hopeful New Year.
The Campaign for Uyghurs Team
