Geneva, Switzerland – On July 5, a side event titled “Combating Islamophobia in Asia: From Awareness to Action” was held at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) 56th Session. The event addressed the threats of Islamophobia in Asia, focusing on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) persecution of Uyghur Muslims. It was co-organized by CAP Liberté de Conscience, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU), and the Center for Uyghur Studies. This gathering coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Urumchi Massacre, further highlighting ongoing atrocities in the Uyghur region due to their ethnic and religious identity.
The event aimed to raise awareness and advocate for the Uyghur community by bringing together experts, activists, and policymakers. Attendees urged tangible actions by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the HRC to address PRC’s crimes against humanity and attacks on freedoms of religion and belief.
Dr. Eric Patterson, President and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, commenced the event moderated by Thierry Valle, President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, with a video remark stating: “[I]t’s well documented that as many as a million Uyghurs have been detained and forced into essentially today’s equivalent of concentration camps…And so, at this time, it’s perfectly appropriate for us to remember that communism as an idea, and in practice has a terrible track record of violating the fundamental human dignity of Muslims.”
Ambassador Michèle Taylor, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, stated in her video remarks: “I want to be clear from the beginning that we condemn in the strongest terms the PRC’s policies in Xinjiang which according to the High Commissioner’s assessment may amount to international crimes and particularly crimes against humanity.” She highlighted strong ongoing actions taken by the U.S., including advocacy during China’s Universal Periodic Review in January.
Dr. Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, noted her concern about atrocities against Uyghurs: “In December 2022 I joined several other mandate holders in reiterating our grave concern to Chinese authorities regarding Xinjiang…We reiterated our concern with numerous human rights violations…including prohibitions on peaceful manifestations of religion.” Dr. Ghanea stressed that since 2017 PRC has received nine communications regarding these concerns yet continues defending its policies.
Dr. Ayyüce Türkeş-Taş from Türkiye remarked: “Their [the Uyghurs] religious freedoms are systematically violated by Chinese government: newborns are prohibited from being given Muslim names like Muhammad…” She emphasized Türkiye's commitment to supporting Uyghur causes due to shared heritage.
Mohd Khairul Anwar Ismail detailed Malaysia's initiatives against atrocities directed at Uyghurs noting: “The Chinese government’s treatment...is one of most severe instances of Islamophobia.” Adlan Al Milzan Athori from Indonesia commented on Indonesia's responsibility towards Uyghur crisis emphasizing solidarity among Muslims.
Abdulhakim Idris from Center for Uyghur Studies remarked: “Since its founding in 1949 PRC has upheld atheism as its state ideology systematically discriminating against all religions...” Rushan Abbas from Campaign for Uyghurs urged decisive actions stating: “Genocide is not China’s internal affair...UN member states must act decisively against this atrocity.”
The collaboration among CAP Liberté de Conscience Campaign for Uyghurs Center for Uyghur Studies marked pivotal moment advocating highlighting severity violations demanding urgent global action hold China accountable collective voices reinforced fight against Islamophobia protection religious freedoms imperative upholding human dignity justice worldwide CFU restates PRC must implement UN High Commissioner recommendations human rights
