Uyghur Leader Amplifies Oppression Plea at UN Despite China’s Resistance
Dolkun Isa, the President of the Uyghur Center for Democracy and Human Rights, delivered a compelling statement at the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva. His address focused on the severe oppression faced by the Uyghur people in China, despite attempts by the Chinese delegation to silence him.
Key Points from Dolkun Isa’s Address
During his speech, Isa emphasized the systematic repression the Uyghurs endure, including mass detentions, cultural erasure, and political suppression. He accused the Chinese government of attempting to “turn Uyghurs into minorities in their own land” and referred to these actions as genocidal in nature.
Response to Chinese Delegation
- The Chinese delegation interrupted Isa, claiming he was undermining China’s territorial integrity.
- The Chair of the session permitted Isa to continue, allowing a rare instance of dissent at an official UN event.
Reviving Uyghur Culture Abroad
Isa highlighted the efforts of the Uyghur diaspora to rebuild cultural and civic spaces that have been lost in their homeland. He noted that around the world, Uyghur communities are actively working to revive their culture through:
- Language schools
- Artistic initiatives
- Democratic organizing
- Civic institutions
“We preserve our heritage while enriching the societies we live in,” he stated, underscoring the resilience of the Uyghur identity.
Imprisonment of Intellectuals
Isa also called attention to the plight of prominent Uyghur intellectuals, such as Professor Ilham Tohti and Dr. Gulshan Abbas, who have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their contributions to society.
Threat to Language and Identity
He condemned the removal of Uyghur language instruction from schools in Xinjiang, which he argued undermines the transmission of memory and identity among future generations. Isa urged UN member states to:
- Protect cultural and linguistic freedoms
- Ensure unrepresented voices can speak freely without fear or discrimination
Isa’s testimony and the ensuing confrontation with the Chinese delegation exemplified the significant tensions surrounding the international community’s scrutiny of China’s human rights record.
