CFU PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 5:00 PM ET

Sabrina Sohail: [email protected] 

(650) 703-4523

https://www.campaignforuyghurs.org

Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) welcomes the adoption of the first policy recommendations by the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the 118th Congress. The Committee’s findings and recommendations represent a crucial step forward in addressing the ongoing Uyghur genocide and bolstering deterrence in the Taiwan Strait.

In a joint statement on the Select Committee’s first policy endorsements, Congressman Mike Gallagher, the Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the CCP Democrats, said, “The competition with the CCP requires us working together across the aisle, and we are proud that today we voted overwhelmingly to adopt the Select Committee’s first policy recommendations regarding the Uyghur genocide and Taiwan. This is only a first step, and we will continue operating in a bipartisan way to send a message that we are committed to deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and that we won’t turn a blind eye as the CCP commits genocide, ‘the crime above all crimes,’ against the Uyghur people.”

The key findings outlined by the Select Committee underscore the grave situation faced by the Uyghur people. Perpetrators of the CCP’s genocide and crimes against humanity continue to commit atrocities in East Turkistan with impunity. To address this, CFU strongly supports Recommendation 1, which urges imposing consequences on CCP officials responsible for decisions resulting in genocide and crimes against humanity.

Furthermore, CFU recognizes the leadership shown by the United States in holding the perpetrators accountable. However, we also take note of the Committee’s finding that reveals a lag by other countries in fulfilling their treaty commitments to prevent or halt genocide and protect victims. To address this gap, Recommendation 2 emphasizes the need for strengthened diplomatic efforts by the United States in collaboration with international partners to address the CCP’s atrocities against the Uyghurs and other Muslim and Turkic peoples.

Global supply chains remain tainted by products made with Uyghur forced labor, as highlighted in the Committee’s findings. CFU fully supports Recommendation 3, which calls for stronger reinforcement of U.S. prohibitions on the importation of goods made with Uyghur forced labor.

The development and deployment of advanced technology enabling surveillance and control in East Turkistan, fueled by U.S. and international investment in China, is a significant concern. Recommendation 4 advocates for restricting U.S. capital flows to problematic Chinese companies and critical technology sectors that have facilitated the CCP’s atrocities—an action CFU stands firmly behind.

Despite existing statutes to hold the perpetrators accountable and deter further atrocities, their full implementation has not been realized. CFU supports Recommendation 5, urging the administration to apply the sanctions required by the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to ensure swift action and justice.

The ongoing harassment and intimidation faced by Uyghurs who escape the CCP’s repression, even in the United States and other international locations, is deeply alarming. As a response, Recommendation 6 calls for collaborative efforts with allies and partners to safeguard Uyghurs in third countries, granting refugee status and asylum to eligible individuals. CFU stands in solidarity with this recommendation to provide the necessary protection to Uyghurs seeking safety and refuge.

Commenting on the policy recommendations, CFU’s Executive Director Rushan Abbas said, “We commend the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party for their insightful findings and recommendations. The adoption of these policy recommendations highlights the urgent need for global action to combat the CCP’s atrocities in East Turkistan and protect the Uyghur people from further suffering.”

CFU remains resolute in its commitment to amplifying the voices of the Uyghur people, advocating for justice, and mobilizing global support to bring an end to the Uyghur genocide. The adoption of the Select Committee’s policy recommendations serves as a significant milestone in the journey toward justice and accountability.