Write to two more leaders this week demanding they support the Uighurs. (Updated 17 May to change details for African Union address from Paul Kagame to head of the African Union Commission).

Summary

Background

Action

Summary

New campaign details below.

IHRC is calling on campaigners to demand key Muslim countries, non-aligned countries and relevant international organisations demand China ends its persecution of the Uighurs.  Many Muslim and non-aligned countries have key or growing economic ties with China.  Please make clear that the economic reasoning behind these ties cannot trump the lives of millions of people.

Background

Reports coming out of China in recent weeks have increased concerns regarding the situation of the Uighur community from Xinjiang province in the north-west.  There has been a long history of mistreatment and persecution of the Uighurs, including the eradication of culture and heritage, religious persecution, mass transfers of populations in and out of Xinjiang and political suppression.  You can read more about these in IHRC’s eyewitness photo essay and report from 2010.

IHRC has sent researchers this year to assess the veracity of recent reports and they will be publishing their findings soon.  Previous work on the situation can be found here.

Action Required

1. This week please write to the Secretary-General of the OIC and the Chairperson of the African Union.  A model letter / email and addresses are pasted below.  We will be requesting the same next week for another two countries or organisations, and the same each week until the end of Ramadan.
2. Forward any responses you receive to us on info@ihrc.org so we can develop this campaign further.
3. Share this alert and the reports and resources, and encourage others to join this campaign.
4. Please ensure you share verified stories and information.  Despite this situation existing for decades, mainstream media has only given it importance now, often spreading unverified stories and cases. 
5. Keep visiting the IHRC Uighur Campaign page for updates on the campaign, and for past and ongoing actions.

Model letter

                                                                                                                              Your name Y Your address

[Date]

Dear [Name of Leader]

Re: Situation of Uighurs in China

I am sure you are aware of the reports of the mistreatment and persecution of Uighurs in China.

I am deeply concerned about the violation of their rights including their religious, social and political rights.  I am sure you will agree that this is an issue of the utmost seriousness, and I look to your government to:

• Make strong representations to China and demand they desist in this behaviour;
• Suspend all economic and other co-operation with China until they stop their policies and begin restitution to the Uighurs.
• Offer your support in providing religious, social and cultural support of Uighur communities inside and outside China.

I look forward to your reply regarding this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,

[Your signature]
[Your name]

Addresses:

OIC

Please address emails / letters / faxes to the Secretary-General

Yousef Bin Ahmad Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Othaimeen

Fax. +966 12 651 2288

By email, visit https://blog.oic-oci.org/contact-us-en/ and check the box ‘Message to the Secretary-General’

or by post

Almadinah Almunawara Road
P.O.Box 178
Jedda 21411

Saudi Arabia

African Union Commission

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

Chair

African Union Commission

F: +251 11 551 7844

E: dic@africa-union.org

Or by post

P.O. Box 3243

Roosevelt Street

W21K19

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Please forward any responses you receive to info@ihrc.org.