CFU Press Release
For Immediate Release
November 11 2022, 9:00 AM ET
Rushan Abbas: rushan@campaignforuyghurs.org, (559) 375-3571
campaignforuyghurs.org
For the Uyghur people, this historic day is a day of celebration and remembrance. It is on this day that Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) commemorates the anniversaries of the Islamic Republic of East Turkistan, established on November 12, 1933, in Kashgar, and the Republic of East Turkistan, established on November 12, 1944, in Ghulja, and what it means to a people suffering from genocide.
Following decades of oppression and brutality, East Turkistan is now suffering under a genocide. Despite the Chinese regime’s attempts to exterminate them, Uyghurs still hold on to hope. The establishment of the People’s Republic of China marked the beginning of a repressive regime silencing Uyghurs. This genocide perpetrated by the ultra-nationalist Chinese regime takes place in the destruction of the history, religion, and ethnic identity of Uyghurs.
Executive Director Rushan Abbas remarked in honor of the occasion that “Every Uyghur should be able to express themselves freely and democratically. As we commemorate today, we reflect on the importance of democracy as a defense against genocide and the exploitation of human rights. A free and equitable society cannot be established without these integral defenses. East Turkistan, which is now full of concentration camps, modern-day slavery, and genocidal terror, was once with democratic freedoms.”
As a geographically dispersed community but spiritually bonded, this commemoration is essential as it also represents the history of the people in East Turkistan, their resilience, and their brilliance. CFU remain committed to fighting for the rights and dignity of the Uyghur people until this genocide is stopped and the Uyghur people are free. Campaign for Uyghurs sends greetings to all the Uyghur people in the world in solidarity on this day.
