Why the Uyghur Ethnic Cleanse is an Ongoing Issue
The Chinese government has significantly intensified its crackdown on the Turkic Muslim population in Xinjiang since late 2016 under the pretext of countering violent terrorism.
This campaign involves arbitrary detention, torture, political indoctrination, mass surveillance, movement restrictions, cultural erasure, and family separation. Reports have also emerged of forced labor, forced abortions, and sexual violence.
Surprisingly, Muslim-majority countries have remained largely silent about these human rights abuses, mainly due to economic and political interests. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have strong economic ties with China.
Despite this, various countries have had a growing concern about the situation, leading to the rejection of a U.N. Human Rights Council debate on Xinjiang. Although there has been progress in garnering support from diverse countries, there is still a need for collective action to hold China accountable.
Various measures are suggested, including targeted sanctions on Chinese officials, investigations into human rights violations, and facilitating legal proceedings against those responsible. Hosting countries with Turkic Muslim diasporas are urged to provide asylum, family reunification, and support services.
Civil society organizations have played a crucial role in raising awareness and pressuring governments, but consistent global action is required to prevent further escalation and uphold human rights principles.