IHRC is calling on campaigners to demand key Muslim countries demand China ends its persecution of the Uighurs [Uyghurs].

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Summary

Background

Action

Summary

IHRC is calling on campaigners to demand key Muslim countries demand China ends its persecution of the Uighurs.  Many Muslim countries have key or growing economic ties with China.  Please make clear that the economic reasoning behind these ties cannot trump the lives of millions of people.

Background

Reports coming out of China in recent weeks have increased concerns regarding the situation of the Uighur community from Xinjiang province in the north-west.  There has been a long history of mistreatment and persecution of the Uighurs, including the eradication of culture and heritage, religious persecution, mass transfers of populations in and out of Xinjiang and political suppression.  You can read more about these in IHRC’s eyewitness photo essay and report from 2010.

IHRC has sent researchers this year to assess the veracity of recent reports and they will be publishing their findings soon.  Previous work on the situation can be found here.

Action Required

1. This week please write to the leaders of Malaysia and Turkey.  A model letter / email and addresses are pasted below.  We will be requesting the same next week for another two countries, and the same each week until the end of Ramadan. This week please write to the leaders of Malaysia and Turkey.
2. Forward any responses you receive to us on info@ihrc.org so we can develop this campaign further.
3. Share this alert and the reports and resources, and encourage others to join this campaign.
4. Please ensure you share verified stories and information.  Despite this situation existing for decades, mainstream media has only given it importance now, often spreading unverified stories and cases. 
5. Keep visiting the IHRC Uighur Campaign page for updates on the campaign.

Model letter

                                                                                                       Your name

Your address

[Date]

Your Excellency [Name of Leader]

Re: Situation of Uighurs in China

I am sure you are aware of the reports of the mistreatment and persecution of Uighurs in China.

I am deeply concerned about the violation of their rights including their religious, social and political rights.  I am sure you will agree that this is an issue of the utmost seriousness, and I look to your government to:

• Make strong representations to China and demand they desist in this behaviour;
• Suspend all economic and other co-operation with China until they stop their policies and begin restitution to the Uighurs.
• Offer your support in providing religious, social and cultural support of Uighur communities inside and outside China.

I look forward to your reply regarding this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,

[Your signature]
[Your name]

Addresses

Malaysia

Please address emails / letters / faxes to the Prime Minister

Datuk Seri Mahathir bin Mohamad

Prime Minister

(via Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia

YBhg. Datuk Seri. Dr. Ismail Bin Hj. Bakar)

ismail.bakar@jpm.gov.my

Fax : 603-8888 3444 

or by post

Datuk Seri Mahathir bin Mohamad

Prime Minister’s Office
Main Block, Perdana Putra Building
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62502 Putrajaya
MALAYSIA

Turkey

Please address emails / letters / faxes to the President

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

E-mail: contact@tccb.gov.tr

Fax : (+90 312) 525 58 31

Or by post

Cumhurbaşkanlığı Külliyesi 06560

Beştepe-Ankara

Turkey

Please forward any responses you receive to info@ihrc.org.