CFU PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2025, 3:30 PM 

Contact: [email protected]

+1 650-703-4523

https://campaignforuyghurs.org

Washington, D.C. – Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) extends its heartfelt wishes to the global Muslim community as we begin the holy month of Ramadan and implore actions to help Uyghur Muslims suffering under China’s ongoing genocide and severe restrictions of religious freedoms. Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community—a time dedicated to spiritual devotion and self-discipline.     

The CCP has criminalized Islamic practices among Uyghurs, labeling any expression as “religious extremism.” Under China’s ongoing genocide, Uyghur Muslims face mass detention, forced labor, and severe religious persecution. The recent forced deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand underscores the Chinese government’s relentless persecution even beyond its borders. While China paraded three individuals in a propaganda video, the whereabouts of the remaining 37 remain unknown—echoing the fate of the 109 Uyghurs deported from Thailand in 2015, who disappeared into China’s vast network of camps and prisons. 

Historically, the persecution against Uyghur Muslims is escalated during Ramadan. . They are banned from fasting, forced to eat during daylight—including non-Halal food—under surveillance, and punished for refusal. An estimated 16,000 mosques have been destroyed or damaged, the remaining ones are repurposed into bars, cafes, and tourist sites, erasing Uyghur religious identity. The government has called to “sinicize Islam,” silencing Uyghur voices while exploiting their suffering for political theater.

“As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan in prayer and reflection, Uyghur Muslims are imprisoned, enslaved in forced labor, and suffocated under relentless surveillance. Stripped of their religious freedom, they are banned from fasting, praying, or even identifying as Muslim—while the Chinese regime brazenly continues its crimes against them. This Ramadan, silence is not an option. The global Muslim community and all defenders of human rights must stand together, demand justice, and take bold action to end the Uyghur genocide,” said CFU Executive Director Rushan Abbas. 

CFU urges governments, human rights organizations, and the global Muslim community to take immediate action to confront China’s persecution of Uyghur Muslims. Amplify Uyghur voices, boycott products linked to Uyghur Muslim forced labor, and urge your governments to hold China accountable for its human rights abuses. Additionally, we invite supporters to donate to the Campaign for Uyghurs to strengthen advocacy efforts as we continue our work to bring an end to their suffering. 

During Ramadan, CFU will host a social media campaign to raise awareness about the Uyghur crisis and the responsibilities within Islam to stand against oppression. Follow CFU on X, Instagram, and Facebook to engage with our campaign and share vital information. We invite all those who value justice and human dignity to join us in supporting the Uyghur people during this sacred time.