CFU PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 5:00 PM ET

Sabrina Sohail: sabrina@campaignforuyghurs.org

(650) 703-4523

www.campaignforuyghurs.org

Campaign For Uyghurs (CFU) strongly commends U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and his colleagues for reintroducing the Uyghur Policy Act, a crucial bipartisan bill aimed at holding the CCP accountable for its acts of genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic groups in East Turkistan.

The recent arrest of two individuals operating an undeclared Chinese police station on U.S. soil serves as a stark reminder of the CCP’s complete disregard for the laws and freedoms upheld in the United States. By establishing a so-called police station in the heart of Manhattan, Chinese officials have shown the world the brutal nature of the CCP’s tyranny and its attempt to export its repression.

The Uyghur Policy Act 2023 advocates for increased U.S. support for the Uyghur diaspora and better conditions for Uyghurs suffering from human rights abuses in East Turkistan. The bill requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to gain access to detention facilities and secure the release of detained Uyghurs during diplomatic meetings with CCP officials. It also makes Uyghur language training available for Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and requires at least one Uyghur-speaking FSO to each U.S. diplomatic and consular mission in China, Turkey, and other nations with Uyghur populations. Additionally, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations is directed to oppose any motion that would prevent consideration of Uyghur and East Turkistan issues in UN activities.

Representatives Young Kim and Ami Bera have both introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives and expressed their support for the Uyghur Policy Act as a means to defend human rights and combat CCP’s abuses. Congresswoman Kim stated that “Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities – just because of their identity – are repeatedly silenced, detained, imprisoned, tortured, and brainwashed in concentration camps led by the Chinese Communist Party,” and called for the U.S. to “say no to Uyghur genocide and the CCP’s repeated disinformation, coercion, and abuse.”

Senator Rubio, who reintroduced the bill in the U.S. Senate, remarked in his statement, said, “The CCP is carrying out a disgusting campaign of genocide and human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups. The United States cannot be silent in the face of such horrific abuse. I’m proud to re-introduce legislation to increase awareness and advocacy for Uyghurs, and I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this bill.”

Congressman Bera underscored the importance of addressing the situation, stating, “Despite widespread international condemnation, the Chinese Communist Party continues to target Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region for their culture and beliefs.”

Praising the reintroduction of the bill, CFU Executive Director Rushan Abbas noted, “The Uyghur Policy Act of 2023 is a crucial step towards holding the CCP accountable for its genocidal policies against Uyghurs in East Turkistan and CCP’s translational repression. The reintroduction of this bipartisan bill illustrates that the United States is committed to stand with the Uyghur community in their fight for justice and freedom, and reminds the world to take action against CCP’s illegal practice of operating police stations in over 50 countries, to spread and instill their repression on a global scale.”

It is imperative that Congress pass the Uyghur Policy Act of 2023. The CFU vehemently calls on the United States government to prioritize the promotion and protection of human rights and hold the CCP accountable for its acts of genocide against the Uyghur people. The CFU urges the Biden administration to take swift action in supporting the diaspora Uyghur community and addressing the ongoing genocide taking place in East Turkistan. The time for action is now, and we will not rest until justice is served.