CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2023 11:30 AM ET
Sabrina Sohail: sabrina@campaignforuyghurs.org
(650) 703-4523
Campaign For Uyghurs (CFU), is concerned over the recent statement made by Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council on September 11, 2023.
In his statement, Mr. Türk said “China’s drive for development has brought powerful achievements in alleviating poverty. But the country’s recent economic challenges highlight the need for a more participatory approach that upholds all human rights – including the rights of members of ethnic minorities; people in rural communities; internal migrant workers; older people; and people with disabilities. Opening the space for civil society participation and debate, including when this is critical of policies and advocates change, builds a more resilient and flexible society. As my Office highlighted a year ago, the concerns in Xinjiang UAR require strong remedial action by the authorities, as per our recommendations. I also remain troubled by the continued detention of human rights advocates.”
However, Mr. Türk’s statement did not adequately address the ongoing Uyghur genocide in East Turkistan, which has been a subject of global concern and condemnation. While he mentioned concerns in the region and recommended strong remedial action by the authorities, the situation on the ground remains dire, with reports of mass detentions, forced labor, and cultural suppression persisting.
Executive Director, Rushan Abbas, expressed deep concern regarding this statement, stating, “We appreciate Mr. Türk’s acknowledgment of the issues in East Turkistan; however, we believe it falls short of the urgency required to address the Uyghur genocide. The international community must do more to hold China accountable for its grave human rights violations against the Uyghur people. Simply acknowledging the issues is no longer sufficient, the international community should take more concrete actions to hold China accountable for its severe human rights violations against my people.”
CFU calls on the United Nations to take stronger action to end the Uyghur genocide and hold those responsible accountable. We urge the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the international community to stand together in defense of human rights and the Uyghur people.
