We Strongly Condemn the Oppression Inflicted by China in East Turkestan
Since 1949, under the administration of the People's Republic of China, human rights violations in East Turkestan have continued to increase in all areas of life.
The Chinese Government, especially after the satellite images and testimonies in 2018 proved the existence of the so-called "re-education camps" it implemented to eliminate the local population, has tried to present these camps to the world as "vocational training centers" in order to conceal the crimes and the perpetrators, claiming that in this way it will cleanse East Turkestanis of terrorism, discrimination, and extremism. In reality, crimes categorized as crimes against humanity are being committed in these camps, and many people who have stayed in the camps have not been heard from again.
Given the existence of systematic activities aimed at eradicating a nation and a religious belief, it is an undeniable fact that these acts fall within the scope of 'Crimes Against Humanity'.
Since March 2017, when the Chinese Government adopted the "Regulation on Combating Extremism," the number of Uyghur Turks detained in camps in the East Turkestan region has rapidly increased. According to the regulation, displaying religious or cultural affiliation, either openly or even in private, such as growing a "non-normal" beard, wearing a veil or headscarf, praying, fasting, abstaining from alcohol, or possessing books or writings related to Islam or Uyghur culture, is considered "extremism."
Traveling for work or education, especially to countries with a predominantly Muslim population, or communicating with people living outside China, are also among the main reasons that make individuals suspicious. Regardless of gender, age, or whether one is urban or rural, everyone is at risk of being detained.
In the report published by Amnesty International entitled 'China: Where Are They? Time to Answer for Mass Detentions in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,' these violations have been proven by witness reports. Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International's East Asia Director, also highlighted the gravity of the situation with his statement: “The Chinese government must not be allowed to continue its dirty policies targeting ethnic minorities. Governments around the world must hold China accountable for the nightmare unfolding in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.”
An entire nation is being completely denied, freedom of worship is being disregarded, Turkish names and writings are being banned, and the region of East Turkestan is deliberately being called Xinjiang. These practices aim to destroy national consciousness. By claiming that the region is an ancient Chinese land, the history and values of the region are being ignored.
We call on all relevant parties to take responsibility at this point, urge all international institutions, especially the UN General Assembly, to immediately put preventive sanctions on the agenda, and invite the international community to take action for the Uyghur people of East Turkestan.
(Source: https://shorturl.at/Zwvd8)