CFU PRESS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2024 at 9:30 PM ET
contact@campaignforuyghurs.org
(650) 703-4523
Washington D.C. – Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) proudly announces the launch of the Congressional Uyghur Caucus, co-chaired by United States Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), building upon the incredible groundwork laid by Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA). Campaign for Uyghurs is holding a private event in honor of the Congressional Uyghur Caucus launch on April 16th, 2024, at 11:30 AM, room HC-5 on Capitol Hill.
The event regarding the Congressional Uyghur Caucus will feature co-chairs of the Caucus, members of Congress, and a lineup of distinguished speakers, including representatives from the Uyghur diaspora, experts on China, and survivors of China’s detention camps. Founded in 2021, the Congressional Uyghur Caucus is a bipartisan initiative that unites U.S. Congress Members committed to advocating for the human rights of the Uyghur people. This Caucus aims to collaborate on legislative measures to challenge the ongoing genocide carried out by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Congressmen Chris Smith and Tom Suozzi have demonstrated exemplary leadership by spearheading legislative initiatives aimed at holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for the Uyghur Genocide, forced labor, organ trafficking, human trafficking, transnational repression, and China’s grave threats to U.S. national security. The upcoming launch signifies a robust reaffirmation of these bipartisan efforts, addressing the severe violations identified by the United States Department of State and the United Nations as genocide and crimes against humanity.
Rushan Abbas, Founder of Campaign for Uyghurs, expressed her enthusiasm for the Caucus: “Every day reveals new horrors unfolding for Uyghurs in East Turkistan. This genocide demands a response that matches its depravity, and the Caucus shows promise of tangible policy actions to confront the horror. The leadership of Representatives Smith and Suozzi and their tireless advocacy for Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, and Southern Mongolians is a testament to their integrity and moral compass. We could not be more grateful.”
Dolkun Isa, President of World Uyghur Congress stated “We welcome the launch of Congressional Caucus on Uyghurs. It is a vital step forward to foster solidarity and move towards concrete action. Representatives Tom Suozzi and Chris Smith have shown the best of humanity’s capacity for strength in the face of injustice.”
At this special event, the speakers will discuss strategies to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable through legislative and policy advocacy. For additional information or to RSVP, please get in touch with CFU’s Director of Advocacy and Communications, Sabrina Sohail at sabrina@campaignforuyghurs.org.
