CFU PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2025, 6:30 PM 

Contact: [email protected]

+1 650-703-4523

https://campaignforuyghurs.org 

Washington, D.C. – We are honored to announce that Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, alongside Teacher Li by Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Chair and Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This honor recognizes CFU’s relentless efforts to expose the CCP’s genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, combat state-imposed forced labor and religious persecution, and advocate for justice and accountability.

“The Campaign for Uyghurs and Teacher Li represent humanity’s unwavering stand against the CCP’s brutality – not only exposing systematic oppression, but empowering countless others to speak truth to power,” said Chairman Moolenaar. “Through tireless advocacy and bold testimony, the Campaign for Uyghurs has ensured the world cannot ignore the truth about the Uyghur genocide, bringing victims’ voices to the global stage and shattering the CCP’s wall of silence. Meanwhile, Teacher Li has become a vital lifeline for free expression, courageously breaking through China’s Great Firewall to shed light on citizens’ protests despite grave personal risk. We are incredibly proud to nominate both for the Nobel Peace Prize honoring two extraordinary forces for truth and justice.”

“We are honored to nominate Campaign for Uyghurs and Teacher Li for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and dignity of people worldwide,” said Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. “In the face of one of the most pressing human rights crises of our time, Campaign for Uyghurs and Teacher Li continue to shine a light in the face of adversity, while challenging injustices and amplifying the voices of those too often silenced.”

For years, CFU has been at the forefront of efforts to hold the CCP accountable for its digital authoritarianism, human trafficking, religious persecution, and systematic human rights abuses. Under the leadership of Executive Director Rushan Abbas, CFU’s advocacy spans 35+ countries, working to raise global awareness, advance legislative action, and counter CCP disinformation. Through grassroots mobilization and advocacy training, CFU continues to empower the Uyghur diaspora and engage international stakeholders to push for meaningful change through peaceful and democratic means. In 2022, CFU was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Representatives Chris Smith and Tom Suozzi, co-chairs of the Congressional Uyghur Caucus—a testament to its enduring impact.

“We are deeply honored to be nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize by Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. This honor not only recognizes our commitment to advocating for Uyghur rights but also serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of a people fighting against oppression,” said Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director of Campaign for Uyghurs. “We hope this recognition brings overdue attention to the Uyghur plight. The Chinese government’s crimes are not just a regional issue; they constitute a global human rights crisis that demands immediate action. The world must unite—governments, institutions, and civil society alike—to defend fundamental human rights for all, no matter the perpetrator.”

The Uyghur people must be guaranteed fundamental freedoms, including the right to move freely, practice their religion and beliefs without fear, preserve their culture and speak their mother tongue, live free from intrusive surveillance, marry without state interference, and have children and raise them in an environment free from oppression. 

CFU calls on governments worldwide to enact and enforce policies that hold the Chinese government accountable for its crimes against humanity and genocide. We urge corporations to prioritize human rights by eliminating Uyghur forced labor from their supply chains. Civil society and global citizens must amplify Uyghur voices and use their platforms to take a stand. 

We call on individuals, organizations, and policymakers to stand with us—join our advocacy efforts, support our campaigns, and stay informed through our website and social media.

As we continue our fight for justice, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you. Your donation helps us expand our advocacy, provide resources for Uyghur activists, and push for policies that combat forced labor and genocide. To contribute, please visit https://campaignforuyghurs.org/donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to hold perpetrators accountable and amplify Uyghur voices on the global stage.