CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 3:00 PM ET
Sabrina Sohail: sabrina@campaignforuyghurs.org
(650) 703-4523
Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) is pleased to announce the passing of H.R. 1154, the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023, in the House of Representatives. With 413 yays, this bill aims to combat the heinous acts of forced organ harvesting and trafficking, specifically in regards to the removal of organs from individuals without their consent. CFU celebrates this significant step forward in the fight against human rights abuses and looks forward to the bill’s progression through the legislative process.
CFU has been advocating for an end to forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for several years. We are delighted that the U.S. government has taken a stance on this crucial issue and would like to extend a special appreciation to Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) as well as Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Bill Keating (D-MA), and Kathy Manning (D-NC) for their role in architecting and promoting this bill. Once the bill becomes law, the United States will adopt a policy to combat international trafficking in persons for organ removal, promote the establishment of voluntary organ donation systems, uphold the dignity and security of human life in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and hold those involved in forced organ harvesting and trafficking accountable.
The Uyghur people have been subjected to countless atrocities at the hands of the CCP, including mass internment, forced labor, and systematic abuse. The forced harvesting of organs from Uyghur Muslims and other prisoners of conscience is yet another horrific crime the CCP has perpetrated. H.R. 1154 represents a critical step towards ending this inhumane practice and holding those responsible accountable. The bill mandates that the U.S. government take tangible steps to combat forced organ harvesting in China, and authorize sanctions against individuals and entities who engage in this practice or are complicit in such practices.
In response to the passing of the act by the US House of Representatives, Rushan Abbas, the Executive Director of CFU said “The passage of the ‘Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023’ is a significant step towards holding accountable those responsible for the heinous crime of forced organ harvesting. We are grateful to the legislators who have taken a stand against this human rights abuse.They have shown their commitment to upholding the dignity and security of human life. We urge the Senate to pass this bill without delay, and we call on the international community to join the United States in this critical effort.”
CFU commends the leadership of the bill’s sponsors and the bipartisan support it has garnered, demonstrating that protecting human rights is an issue that transcends party lines. CFU eagerly anticipates the Senate’s swift passage of this bill and its eventual enactment into law. This would send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate these heinous crimes, and contribute towards the effort to combat forced organ harvesting and trafficking globally.
