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Two women who endured life in Chinese "reeducation" camps for Uyghurs testified before a special House committee focused on countering China's human rights abuses. Qelbinur Sidik, a member of China's ethnic Uzbek minority, described horrific conditions in the camps, including chaining and shackling male Uyghur detainees in tiny cells, where torture was common. Innocent female detainees were subjected to torture such as electric shocks and gang rape. Gulbahar Haitiwaji, who spent over two years in reeducation camps, testified about intense daily brainwashing sessions.
The U.S. and other governments, the United Nations, and human rights groups accuse China of detaining a million or more Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps where they face torture and forced assimilation. The accusations include draconian birth control policies, movement restrictions, and forced labor. China denies these allegations.
The testimony highlighted the Chinese government's brutal treatment of Uyghurs, including the attempted eradication of their culture and civilization. The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party aims to expose the true nature of the Chinese government's actions.
Between 1 to 2 million Uyghurs have been held in mass internment centers, although exact figures are hard to determine due to China's secrecy. Expert witnesses praised U.S. actions against forced labor and complicit companies but urged a comprehensive global strategy involving allies to confront China's abuses.
The committee's formation reflects deteriorating U.S.-China relations, with concerns about China's growing influence and a de facto alliance against American interests. The testimony called for international support in protecting Uyghur refugees and condemning companies profiting from their labor.
The testimony emphasized the need for action against China's abuses and urged a response similar to Canada's policy of accepting Uyghur refugees. The women testified to shed light on the ongoing suffering and pleaded for international intervention.
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