Dear colleagues, friends and distinguished guests,
Today, we stand witness to a tragedy that challenges the very essence of humanity – the ongoing genocide against the Uyghur people in East Turkistan. In the face of such unspeakable atrocities, we are called upon to respond with unwavering solidarity and decisive action.
One of those actions is the newly launched Uyghur Caucus in the U.S. Congress today, with Representatives Smith and Representative Suozzi as co-chairs. This becomes the 8th Parliamentary Uyghur friendship group in the world.
In recent years, we have achieved important milestones working with our partners. 10 parliaments around the world have recognised the Uyghur genocide, as well as the United States government. The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act has become the first law of its kind to prohibit the import of Uyghur forced labour good into the country. At the United Nations, we have seen great developments in recent years, over 50 countries have condemned China’s genocide against Uyghurs, we have the first UN report on the situation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as by numerous treaty bodies and special rapporteurs.
Today, our responsability as the international community is heavy. The West and the US played a huge role in enabling China to become a global superpower, by using US and Western techonology and research. The West’s dependency on China is a major threat to our democracies and values.
Uyghur people’s lives have become a simple commodity. With 25% of global cotton being produced by Uyghur forced labourers, you may want to ask yourself: ‘’Am I contributing to the chain of oppression?’’
The systematic oppression, mass detention, forced labor, and cultural erasure inflicted upon the Uyghur population represent a grave violation of human rights and dignity. It is a stain on our collective conscience that demands our attention and demands justice.
But justice cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires unity, solidarity, and a shared commitment to upholding the principles of human rights for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or background.
I am pleased to see many young people involved in the human rights space: your energy and dedication is commendable. I want to congratulate one of them today, my colleague and young activist, Zumretay Arkin who is here today was just awarded the Freedom of Worship Award by the Roosevelt Foundation in the Netherlands, just a few days ago for her work defending the rights of Uyghurs.
But our work is only starting.
As we gather in New York for the next two days, let us pledge to stand in solidarity with the Uyghur people. Let us amplify their voices, shine a light on their suffering, and demand accountability from those responsible for these heinous crimes.
Our solidarity is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity. By standing together, we send a clear message to Beijing and its allies: that the world will not turn a blind eye to their actions, and that justice will ultimately prevail.
I am grateful for the Elie Wiesel Foundation for its support and solidarity in times of need. I also want to thank my staff, the staff of the Elie Wiesel Foundation, the staff at the Uyghur Human Rights Project, Madwell and Hiltik for their hard work over the past few months putting this conference together.
In the face of darkness, let us be beacons of hope. Let us unite in solidarity with the Uyghur people, and together, let us build a future where such atrocities are never again allowed to occur.
Thank you.
Mr.Dolkun Isa is the President of World Uyghur Congress.This is his opening remarks at the Disrupt Uyghur Genocide Interfaith Conference, held in New York on April 17-18, 2024, and sponsored by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity.
