CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2025, 11:45 AM EST
Contact: contact@campaignforuyghurs.org
+1 650-703-4523
https://campaignforuyghurs.org

CFU Welcomes Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act

Washington, D.C. – Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) welcomes the introduction of a new bipartisan bill by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to impose sanctions on foreign government officials involved in the forced deportation of Uyghurs to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), amidst the ongoing Uyghur genocide.

The bill, the Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act, directly targets those complicit in transnational repression and the violation of international law and fundamental human rights. If passed, the legislation would bar current or former foreign government officials involved in the forced deportation of Uyghurs and other at-risk individuals to China from entering the United States or receiving U.S. immigration benefits. It also directs the U.S. Treasury to consider applying financial sanctions against complicit individuals.

One such example occurred on February 27, 2025, when the Thai government forcibly repatriated 40 Uyghur refugees who had been held in Thai custody for nearly 11 years, at the request of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These men were handed over to a regime that is perpetrating genocide against the Uyghur people, despite offers from other countries to provide refuge. This blatant violation of the Convention against Torture and the international principle of non-refoulement demands international accountability. 

“The forced return of Uyghurs to the PRC is a shameful violation of human rights, and the United States must be steadfast in calling out those foreign officials who capitulate to Beijing’s coercion,” said Senator Merkley in a press release. “The bipartisan Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act is a strong tool to hold these foreign officials accountable and reaffirm the United States’ role as a global leader on dignity and freedom.”

“Uyghurs around the world are being hunted, harassed, and forcibly returned to a regime carrying out genocide against our people,” said Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of Campaign for Uyghurs. “This bipartisan effort sends a strong message that the United States will not tolerate foreign governments enabling China’s repression beyond its borders.”

CFU urges swift passage of this critical legislation and calls on the international community to take coordinated action to protect Uyghur refugees, expedite asylum protection, and prevent their persecution by the Chinese government.