WUC commemorates 9 December Uyghur Genocide Recognition Day and 10 December International Human Rights Day, urging governments to act against China’s ongoing genocide in East Turkistan.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) released a statement this week to commemorate two significant dates: 9 December, Uyghur Genocide Recognition Day, marking four years since the Uyghur Tribunal’s historic judgment; and 10 December, International Human Rights Day, a global reminder of the universal duty to defend human dignity and freedom.
Uyghur Genocide Recognition Day refers to the Uyghur Tribunal’s final verdict issued on 9 December 2021. Established in June 2020 at the request of the WUC, the independent body — composed of leading legal experts, academics, and civil society representatives and chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice — thoroughly examined evidence of China’s crimes in East Turkistan. Reviewing extensive witness testimonies and expert reports, the Tribunal concluded that the People’s Republic of China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples.
WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun stressed that the Tribunal’s findings remain highly relevant:
“December 9 reminds us that genocide is not a concept confined to history books. It is a daily reality for Uyghurs. The Tribunal proved what the world can no longer ignore: if genocide against one people is allowed to continue, others will inevitably be threatened.”
Since the judgment, at least ten national parliaments have formally recognized these atrocities. Yet, the WUC emphasizes that symbolic recognition is insufficient. As China expands its influence across global institutions and carries out transnational repression even in democratic countries, confronting the Uyghur genocide is increasingly a matter of global security and international rule of law.
Despite Beijing’s claims that “re-education” camps have closed, mass detentions have continued in alternative forms. Former detainees are being moved into prisons with long-term sentences or forced labour schemes, while many others are released under strict lifelong surveillance. Families remain separated, and children are placed in state-run boarding facilities.
Widespread abuses — including torture, sexual violence, starvation, forced labour, coercive birth-prevention policies, destruction of religious and cultural sites, and pervasive mass surveillance — remain systematic and ongoing in East Turkistan.
As the world observes International Human Rights Day on 10 December, the WUC calls on governments to prioritize accountability and integrate the Uyghur genocide into all diplomatic interactions with China. The organization urged states to:
- Close all camps and detention centres, and release all detainees
- End forced labour, forced marriages, and birth-prevention measures targeting Uyghurs
- Protect religious and cultural heritage from destruction
- Strengthen mechanisms to counter transnational repression
- Guarantee protection for Uyghur refugees and asylum seekers
The WUC reiterated that the protection of Uyghur rights is a test of international resolve to uphold universal human rights and prevent mass atrocities from continuing with impunity.
Be First to Comment