According to an unofficial UK-based tribunal (as reported by the BBC), hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs have been detained by PRC authorities without any, or any remotely sufficient reason. The situation is particularly troubling as the evidence shows that this genocide is in particular targeted at women, and focused on preventing births.
As for the current situation, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over the alleged detention and forced labour of Uyghurs in China. The UN human rights experts have called for unhindered access to the country to conduct fact-finding missions and urged global and domestic companies to closely scrutinize their supply chains.
It has been extremely difficult to verify the situation on the ground. However, the evidence that has emerged from various sources is deeply concerning.
According to the same unofficial UK-based tribunal, the Uyghur people have been subjected to acts of unconscionable cruelty, depravity, and inhumanity. The tribunal concluded that China has committed genocide against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. The Chinese government denies all accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
Recently, leaked documents directly linked top Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping to the state’s crackdown on the Uyghurs. The documents include speeches which analysts say prove senior government leaders called for measures that led to mass internment and forced labour.
The number of people that are known to have been killed is not clear, but the situation is deeply concerning. The Uyghur people deserve to live in dignity and freedom, and the international community must work together to ensure that their rights are protected.
Mahboob Azam 