IHRC are calling on campaigners to write to their country’s Turkish ambassador to demand Turkish authorities treat the Uighur community fairly.
Background
Action required
Model template
Recipient addresses
Background
Reports coming out of China in recent months 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.
IHRC are concerned about the treatment of Uighurs living in Turkey, where a large number of Uighurs who have fled Xianjiang reside. There have been disturbing reports of constant spying of the Uighur community, with unwarranted arrests and interrogations.
For more information on the campaign, visit the campaign page here.
Action Required
- Please write to your country’s Turkish ambassador demanding they treat the Uighur community fairly. A model letter / email and addresses are provided below.
- Forward any responses you receive to us on info@ihrc.org so we can develop this campaign further.
- Share this alert and the reports and resources, and encourage others to join this campaign.
- 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.
- Keep visiting the IHRC Uighur Campaign page for updates on the campaign, and for past and ongoing actions.
Model template
Your Name,
Dear [Insert Ambassador’s name],
Re: Situation of Uighurs refugees in Turkey
I am writing to you regarding the situation of Uighur refugees living within Turkey. I am concerned about the safety of these refugees residing in Turkey after hearing reports of harassment by the Turkish authorities.
I would like to urge you to stop the arrests and interrogations of Uighurs residing in Turkey so that they are not subjected to another life of persecution.
The government of Turkey should not give in to the pressures of foreign governments and should provide a safe haven for those seeking asylum in their country.
This is a matter of pressing concern. I look forward to hearing your reply.
[Your name]
Recipient addresses
Find your country’s Turkish ambassador here:
https://www.embassypages.com/turkey
UK Mr Ümit Yalcin, Ambassador, embassy.london@mfa.gov.tr
Pakistan Mr S. Babür Girgin, Ambassador,
islamabad.emb.mfa.gov.tr
Norway, Mr Esat Safak Göktürk, Ambassador, embassy.oslo@mfa.gov.tr
France, Mr Ismail Hakki Musa, Ambassador, ambassade.paris@mfa.gov.tr
