Dolkun Isa, President of Uyghur Center for Democracy, has expressed concerns over China's policies toward Uyghurs at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. He stated that China's policy toward Uyghurs had not changed, but the government had changed its tactics amid growing international pressure. Isa pointed to a UN report on Uyghurs, the Uyghur Tribunal verdict, and the recognition of a motion on alleged Uyghur genocide by the Mozambique Parliament as examples of growing international pressure.
According to Isa, communication between Uyghurs and the outside world was severely curtailed since 2017. China cut off all international flights between Urumqi and other countries, restricted internet communication, and collected the passports of Uyghurs, making it impossible for anyone to travel. However, Isa alleged that the Chinese government had subsequently changed its approach by allowing visitors to travel to the region and organizing propaganda tours for foreign journalists, diplomats, and scholars to create an impression that conditions in the region were gradually returning to normal.
Despite the perceived changes, Isa alleged that Uyghurs continued to face detention and forced labour. He claimed that millions of people were still suffering in concentration camps and that forced labour was still a critical issue, both inside and outside the camps. Isa also stated that more than one million Uyghur children were still separated from their families. He raised concerns over the recently implemented Ethnic Unity Law in China, which he believes will further exacerbate the situation.
Isa expressed concerns over the status of Uyghur and Tibetan languages, stating that they were being completely eradicated from daily life and schools at every level. He also alleged that pressure on Uyghurs had continued to intensify, even if it was not immediately visible to visitors traveling to the region. Isa emphasized that the situation was still dire and that international attention was necessary to bring about change.
The Uyghur Center for Democracy has been vocal about the human rights abuses faced by Uyghurs in China. Isa's statements at the UNHRC session highlight the ongoing concerns over China's treatment of Uyghurs and other minority groups. The international community has been increasingly critical of China's policies in the region, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability.
In recent years, China has faced mounting criticism for its treatment of Uyghurs and other minority groups. The UN report on Uyghurs, the Uyghur Tribunal verdict, and the recognition of a motion on alleged Uyghur genocide by the Mozambique Parliament are examples of growing international pressure on China to address human rights concerns. Isa's statements at the UNHRC session are a reminder that the issue remains a pressing concern for the international community.
The situation in China remains a critical issue for human rights organizations and governments around the world. Isa's allegations of continued detention and forced labour of Uyghurs in China highlight the need for ongoing international attention and pressure on the Chinese government to address these concerns. The international community will be watching closely for any signs of change in China's policies toward Uyghurs and other minority groups.
Key points
- - Dolkun Isa, President of Uyghur Center for Democracy, alleges that Uyghurs continue to face detention and forced labour in China. - Isa claims that millions of people are still suffering in concentration camps and that forced labour is still a critical issue. - The international community has been increasingly critical of China's policies in the region, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability.
