World Uyghur Congress Newsletter for December, 2015
China Kills 28 in "Counter-Terror" Raid, Women and Children Killed:
China most recently boasted about its apparently successful counter-terror campaign in which 28 people were killed – a group that China called a “terrorist gang”. The operation was reportedly conducted in response to an attack on a coal mine that took place in late September of this year, though it took state media little time to draw spurious links between the attackers and a supposedly “foreign-led” terror group, despite a complete dearth of credible evidence presented.
China’s severe escalation in its use of force has been widely condemned by states and the international community generally in recent years, and their use of weapons such as flamethrowers (used in this most recent operation) only signals the lengths that the state is willing to go to show force. Considering the fact that even the state reported that the alleged suspects were armed merely with knives, the use of such force is clearly disproportionate. In no circumstances should such disproportionate displays of force be seen as appropriate or in accordance with international law or even domestic law.
Unmentioned by the government has also been credible reports suggesting that among the 28 who were killed were eleven women and children. In these instances, it is no wonder that the state tries its best to keep a tight lid on information sources coming into and out of the area. Internet and cell black outs are becoming more common as authorities rightly fear that the international community will be alerted to the deteriorating situation if more information is made available to independent media sources.
Innocent civilians continue to be harmed in the immediate term, but effective counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights must be recognized as complementary and mutually reinforcing. If China continues to flout international law and ignore internationally accepted norms, the complications it faces will only deteriorate – as they have over the last decade and a half. If the government wants an effective solution that will generate stability in the region, it should start by respecting law and respecting the inherent rights of the vast majority of those who wish to live in peace.
WUC CAT Report, Committee Against Torture Session:
The World Uyghur Congress recently participated in the review of China’s state report to the Committee Against Torture (CAT) along with a number of other prominent NGOs working on similar issues. The review provided an invaluable forum for discussion among concerned groups as well as a unique opportunity to engage with the Chinese delegation through the CAT members on our most critical issues.
Prior to the official meetings during the week of November 16th, the WUC and the Uyghur Human Rights Project jointly submitted an alternative report for consideration by the Committee that aimed to provide additional and alternative information regarding the use of torture against Uyghur detainees in East Turkestan in particular.
Major areas of concern that are addressed in the report include the definition of torture under Chinese law, police and security training and methods, torture in pre-trial detention, forced confessions, intimidation aimed at lawyers and human rights defenders, the effects of the draft law on terrorism and its potential for abuses, as well as documented cases of torture of Uyghur detainees.
The report looked to provide information to the Committee that would otherwise not be present in the collective reports submitted at each review. Other NGOs and NHRIs were able to shed light on serious problems on the mainland, but had much less focus on issues impacting the Uyghur, Tibetan and Southern Mongolian communities.
The report contains detailed analysis of China’s refusal to fall in line with the definition of torture offered by the Committee, the lack of criminalization of torture when committed by those not acting in official state capacity, China’s obligation to uphold jus cogens norms even when conducting counter-terror operations, the lack of protection of pre-trial detainees, the problem of forced extraditions and the likelihood of torture thereafter, and the admissibility of evidence obtained through torture.
Paris Instrumentalizes Paris Attacks for its own Benefit:
The Chinese government was swift in itsresponse to the attacks in Paris earlier this month, making a number of strong statements in support of increased efforts to crack down on international terror networks. The response serves as a clear and routine example of China’s efforts to make spurious connections between incidents taking place in East Turkestan and elsewhere, suggesting further that there is some concern on the part of the government to at least appear as though they are acting in accordance with international legal norms.
On the day following the attack, in an unprecedented move, Chinese state media hurriedly released a series of photos depicting the counter-terror operation that had been underway and moved quickly to manufacture links to those involved in violence domestically. Such transparent exploitation of a horrendous tragedy sets a new and contemptible standard for the lengths that the state is willing to go to attract international attention and support.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, made explicit connection to Uyghurs when he said publicly, “East Turkestan terrorist forces […] should become an important part of international counterterrorism.” Similar sentiments have been expressed by the government following international acts of terror in an attempt to legitimize its own use of force to the international community as well its domestic audience.
China has consistently attempted to link violence in the region to international terror networks, despite a lack of evidence backing up the claim. Tangential links to the supposedly active “East Turkistan Islamic Movement” are also trotted out on a regular basis to construct the narrative of an organized and well-connected group with the capacity to strike across the country at any moment. These claims come despite strong evidence from academics arguing that such a group, if it exists at all, certainly does not have such organizational capacity.
Uyghur Cultural Celebration Held in Munich:
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) along with the East Turkestan Union in Europe (ETUU) and the Uyghur Women’s Association in Germany marked 25 years of the existence of the Uyghur community in Germany with a cultural celebration that took place in Munich, Germany from November 15-16.
The event included members of the Uyghur and Turkish communities along with German politicians and activists from around the world. Uyghurs from 15 countries in Europe as well as Turkey, Central Asia, and Japan, among others, attended alongside members and leaders of the Uyghur community in Germany as well as representatives supportive of the Uyghur cause. The event allowed for further communication and cooperation between all attendees and to look back on some of the significant obstacles that have been overcome as well as a strategy for the future.
The events allowed for greater connections to be forged between members of the Uyghur diaspora as well as between those and the Germany community generally. Germany has warmly welcomed a large group of the Uyghur community and has acted as a firm supporter of Uyghur human rights issues. The events will also act to further inform the public about Uyghurs as well as the situation in East Turkestan today and the causes of Uyghur migration to begin with.
Gifts were given to leaders of the East Turkestan Union in Europe (ETUU) in recognition of the work that they have done in relation to the preservation of Uyghur culture and many aspects of the Uyghur way of life. The ETUU was established in 1990 in Munich, the first of its kind in any Western Country. The events are also set to coincide with East Turkestan’s National Day on November 12, in which the First and Second Republics of East Turkestan were established in 1933 and 1944 respectively.
Upcoming Events
WUC President will be honoured with Lantos Foundation 2015 Lantos Prize
WUC president Rebiya Kadeer, along with two other women, Irshad Manji and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, have been named 2015 Lantos Prize Laureates for their work as, “fearless leaders, reformers and rebels who have been willing to defy social and cultural norms to speak out against human rights abuses.” The award ceremony will be held in Washington, DC on December 10, 2015, and will be open to press.
WUC recognizes International Human Rights Day
As in the years previous, the WUC will join in recognizing International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2015, along with countless organizations around the world that work to improve human rights conditions for millions. December 10th acts as a symbolic day for the struggle for human rights as the Universal Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. The day acts not only as a reminder of some of the significant gains that have been made for humanity, but as an indication of the long journey we may yet still have.
WUC and UAA commemorate student demonstrations in Urumqi
On December 12th, the WUC and UAA will commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the student demonstrations that took place in Urumqi on September 12th, 1985. More than 15,000 took part in the demonstrations that demanded that nuclear tests be stopped, as well as significant population transfers to the region and family planning policies, fair representation in government, and the discontinuation of discrimination against the Uyghur population.
Recent Activities
WUC attends review of China’s state report to the Committee Against Torture
The World Uyghur Congress sent delegates to the 56th meeting of the Committee Against Torture in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 16-18. The session acted as a forum for discussion and review of China’s state report to the Committee as well as the alternative reports submitted by the WUC and a number of other participating NGOs. The session allowed for communication with likeminded NGOs to discuss strategic goals of the session as well as a more focused plan going forward. Direct communication with the Committee members was also possible which better positioned the WUC to influence the outcome of the Concluding Observations and recommendations for China.
WUC attends Upcoming UN Minority Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva
The World Uyghur Congress sent delegates to the 8th session of the Forum on Minority Issues that took place from November 24-25. The session provided an opportunity to meet with members of civil society groups from around the world that are struggling against the same forces of repression and injustice. Two key side events highlighted some of the more pernicious problems that minorities face within the criminal justice system and put forward ideas about how to better improve the UN mechanism itself and how best to cooperate with states to achieve our goals. The session also allowed for dialogue with other NGOs and NHRIs as well as a public general statement that was read within the main Forum chambers.
WUC holds Uyghur cultural festival in Munich, Germany
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) in cooperation with the East Turkestan Union in Europe and the Uyghur Women’s Association in Germany organized an international Uyghur cultural festivalcelebrating 25 years of the existence of the Uyghur community in Germany, that took place in Munich, from November 14-15, 2015. The first evening included a dinner as well as live music, singing and dancing with the festivities concluding on Sunday, November 15th. Uyghurs from close to fifteen countries attended along with German politicians and activists.
WUC representatives meet with German Commissioner for Human Rights
On November 9th, WUC Vice-President’s Umit Hamit and Asgar Can, met with the German Commissioner for Human Rights, Christoph Strässer, in Berlin. The meeting allowed for discussion about the current human rights situation in China as well as Uyghur-specific issues. The meeting also engaged NGOs working on Tibet and others working on similar human rights problems. The meeting was in preparation for the visit of Mr. Strässer to China to ensure that the German government is well-briefed on the most current issues and that the German delegation will be able to substantively raise human rights concerns with their Chinese counterparts.
Uyghurs protest Xi Jinping’s visit to Turkey
On November 15th, the East Turkestan Culture and Solidarity Association in Turkey staged a demonstration against Chinese president Xi Jinping during his visit to the 2015 G-20 Antalya Summit, which was held on 15-16 November in Antalya, Turkey.
WUC meets with German Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid
On November 24th, WUC Vice President’s Umit Hamit and Asgar Can met with members of the German Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in Berlin to discuss and explain the most prominent issues facing the Uyghur community in China and abroad. China’s response to the attacks in Paris were discussed along with China’s approach to counter-terrorism in East Turkestan. Also discussed was the current refugee situation for Uyghurs fleeing China.
WUC vice-president attends inauguration of Turkish Parliament Members
The WUC vice president Mr. Seyit Tumturk was invited to the official inauguration ceremony of the newly elected members of the 26th Parliament of Turkey on November 17. Mr. Tumturk had the opportunity to meet with a number of members of the Turkish Parliament as well as the new Turkish Government and discussed the current situation of the Uyghur people in East Turkestan.
WUC representatives attend conference on human rights and self-determination
A delegation of the WUC including WUC Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Dolkun Isa has attended “The 2nd Mongolian-Chinese International Seminar on Nationality Issues and Democracy“ from November 27-29 in Cologne, Germany. The conference allowed for discussion about issues such as human rights, national autonomy and self-determination in the context of China.
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