Rushan Abbas Elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee at the World Uyghur Congress

  • October 31, 2024

CFU PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2024, 12:00 PM 

Contact: [email protected]

+1 650-703-4523

https://campaignforuyghurs.org

Washington, D.C. — Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) is proud to announce that its Executive Director, Rushan Abbas, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee at the World Uyghur Congress (WUC). The election took place on October 26 during the 8th WUC General Assembly in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 176 delegates from 27 countries voted to elect 34 members to the WUC leadership. Despite several attempts to disrupt the process, including libel, harassment and death threats aimed at Ms. Abbas and other delegates, the elections proceeded, marking a significant step forward for Uyghur advocacy.

This election result underscores CFU’s and Ms. Abbas’ dedication to the Uyghur cause and CFU’s continuous support of the global Uyghur community. Her appointment opens opportunities for close collaboration between CFU and WUC, while CFU remains committed to its independent mission of advancing Uyghur rights.

The newly elected President of the WUC, Turgunjan Alawdun, proudly reflected upon the General Assembly, noting: “This democratic process was an incredibly important moment for the Uyghur diaspora community. It was also a clear message to Beijing that no threats will stop us from exercising our fundamental rights.”

Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of CFU, stated: “The proceedings of this current election is a testament to the resilience of the Uyghur diaspora in the face of adversity. I am honored to serve my community in this new capacity, and am committed to strengthening the World Uyghur Congress and upholding the highest standards as we pursue justice.”

The new leadership, along with the delegates, reviewed WUC’s current by-laws and voted to adopt a new article (Article 17), introducing a Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policies with enhanced reporting mechanisms. This article applies to all elected delegates of the 8th World Uyghur Congress. These changes, supported by the 8th General Assembly and all delegates, mark a crucial step forward in enhancing transparency and accountability within the WUC. 

CFU would like to congratulate all the newly elected officials and we look forward to their contributions to the Uyghur Advocacy movement. We demand the CCP immediately release all unjustly detained Uyghurs in East Turkistan, and we call on the international community to uphold the fundamental rights of all people to live with dignity, safeguarding freedom and democracy for Uyghurs in East Turkistan. Uyghurs deserve the right to live without fear, oppression, or persecution, with the freedom to follow their conscience and beliefs in peace. The ongoing genocide must end now. 

 

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