The Forgotten Genocide: China’s continuing Suppression of the Uyghurs

UK Parliament, House of Lords, Committee Room G

On 22 March 2021, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on certain Chinese officials and entities accused of human rights abuses against Uyghurs, joining similar actions by the United States and the European Union. On 22 April 2021, the UK Parliament passed a motion declaring that China’s atrocities against Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples constitute genocide.

However, since then no steps have been taken to hold China accountable for its widespread violations of civil, political and human rights in East Turkistan, referred to as ‘Xinjiang’. Very little attention is given to these mounting transgressions. Instead, the current Government has focused on rebuilding diplomatic relations and fostering cooperation with Beijing.

Internationally, Uyghur and other Turkic victims have sought justice through various avenues, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Although China is not a State Party to the ICC, the East Turkistan Government in Exile, on behalf of Uyghur victims, has filed evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity by Chinese officials under the 'cross-border principle, which provides a legal pathway for jurisdiction and justice. Under the principle of universal jurisdiction, criminal cases have also been brought before national courts.

The plight of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples has also been raised in various UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council (HRC), where member States and civil society organisations have called for greater scrutiny of China’s repressive actions. Despite these efforts, China’s campaign to target and decimate the Uyghurs continues unabated.

We invite you to join us for an event that will discuss the dire situation faced by the Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in East Turkistan, and the lack of concrete action by the current UK Government to end the ongoing genocide and abuses.

Speakers:

Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC

Director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)

Dr Sayragul Sauytbay

Vice President of the East Turkistan Government in Exile

Witness and whistleblower from China's concentration camps

Salih Hudayar

Foreign Minister of the East Turkistan Government in Exile

Leader of the East Turkistan National Movement

Lara Strangways

Head of Business & Human Rights, Global Rights Compliance

Rodney Dixon KC

Legal Counsel in application to the ICC and other case