Uyghur representatives attended an event in Washington to honor the victims of communism and reaffirmed their calls for justice and freedom for Uyghurs facing genocide under China’s communist government.
Rushan Abbas, Chair of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) Executive Committee, Executive Director of Campaign for Uyghurs; Omer Kanat, Executive Director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project; and other Uyghur representatives participated in the 18th Roll Call of Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2025, an event organised by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to honour the memory of those who suffered under totalitarian regimes, including the Uyghur people.
The ceremony brought together survivors, human rights defenders, and international allies to commemorate the victims of totalitarian rule, including members of the Uyghur community. At the ceremony, Abbas and Kanat placed a wreath to honour Uyghur victims.
Abbas expressed, “I am proud to have attended the Victims of Communism’s 18th Roll Call of Nations alongside leaders, who continue to champion human rights with courage and conviction. As we honor the victims of communism, we renew our commitment to defending freedom and human dignity.“
They joined attendees in acknowledging Congressman Chris Smith, recipient of the 2025 Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom. Smith, widely respected for his steadfast support of persecuted groups, was praised for his strong moral leadership in championing justice and human rights, as reported by WUC.
Abbas stated, “Honored to stand with Rep. Chris Smith as he received the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom from Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. A tireless champion for the persecuted, Congressman Smith’s unwavering voice for Uyghurs and victims of authoritarian regimes inspires us all.“
The Uyghur people, in East Turkistan, have faced severe persecution by the Chinese government. Reports reveal mass arbitrary detentions in so-called “re-education” camps, forced labour, surveillance, religious restrictions, and cultural erasure. Human rights organisations and international bodies have described these actions as crimes against humanity and genocide. Uyghurs are often targeted simply for practising Islam, speaking their language, or preserving their heritage.
Despite global condemnation, the Chinese government denies and continues its wrongdoing, framing its actions. The Uyghur community continues to call for justice, freedom, and international pressure to end the abuses.
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