Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Yarkand Massacre, which occurred on July 28, 2014. The incident involved Chinese security forces suppressing peaceful Uyghur protesters in Yarkand, East Turkistan. The massacre serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Uyghur people under Chinese governance.

An Uyghur eyewitness reported that on July 28, 2014, Chinese security forces stormed a gathering of Uyghur women reciting the Qur’an and shot unarmed women. The violence extended to three surrounding villages, resulting in further assaults and deaths among the Uyghur population.

The Yarkand Massacre highlights the oppression faced by the Uyghurs. Indiscriminate force is often used against them, with stereotypes portraying them as violent to justify collective punishment. Peaceful protestors are labeled as “gangs” and “separatists,” leading to limited sympathy or inquiry into their plight. Documentation of these events is challenging due to government cover-ups and arrests of those attempting to reveal the truth.

Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of CFU, stated, “As we mark this somber anniversary, we remember the lives lost and renew our commitment to seeking justice and freedom for the Uyghur people. The international community must not remain silent in the face of such atrocities.”

The legacy of the Yarkand Massacre remains significant after a decade. CFU calls on governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide to take action against these injustices.