All Reading
This section contains a curated list of useful articles, investigations, books and other reading materials. The list is updated on a weekly basis and suggestions for additions are welcome.
Starting Points:
'He looks like he's lost his soul': Uyghur man finds brother in leaked police files
Uyghurs living abroad are using a new search tool, compiled from thousands of leaked Chinese police files, to track down their long-lost families after years of separation and silence.
The Complicity of Heritage: Cultural Heritage and Genocide in the Uyghur Region
This report highlights how China’s actions constitute what UNESCO calls “strategic cultural cleansing”, through systematic destruction of cultural heritage and targeting people on the basis of their ethnic affiliation.
Cross-party MPs shocked by Foreign Office talks with Xinjiang governor
The British Foreign Office has shocked cross-party opponents of the Chinese treatment of Uyghur groups by revealing that it has asked the Xinjiang governor for talks.
With threats and intimidation, China coerces Uyghurs in Turkey to spy on each other
More than six years into China’s campaign to eradicate independent Uyghur society at home, Uyghurs in Turkey experience lengths the Chinese authorities go to keep tabs on ordinary Uyghurs abroad.
Beijing Stands Firm Against Reports of Uyghur Detentions
Contrary to Beijing’s claims of “harmony” in Xinjiang, some Uyghurs living abroad, unable to freely contact their family members in Xinjiang for years, say that Chinese authorities have recently detained their loved ones.
Event: China and the Power of Xi Jinping
As China attempts to reassert itself after harsh covid-19 lock-downs, what is President Xi Jinping’s vision for China in the world? And what are the implications of his agenda for other states in the region?
Canada votes to take in 10,000 Uyghur refugees amid Chinese pressure to force their return
Canada’s parliament has unanimously passed a motion to take in 10,000 Uyghur refugees who fled China, but are now facing pressure to return.
Uyghur member of ‘propaganda vanguard’ confirmed detained in China’s Xinjiang
Authorities in Xinjiang have given a 20-year jail sentence to a Uyghur woman who at one time staunchly supported China’s anti-extremism campaign targeting the mostly Muslim ethnic group in the region.
Repression of Uyghurs remains unchanged: Interview with Xinjiang Victims Database founder
Global Voices conducted an interview with Gene Bunin to learn about his work on the Xinjiang Victims Database, the context of oppression in China, and more.
US-based Uyghur man calls on China to release his 19-year-old sister
A Uyghur man working in the United States has called on Chinese authorities in Xinjiang to release his sister, who was detained after posting video about the recent 'white paper' protests across China.
Event: Holocaust Memorial Day Event: Ordinary People 2023
This Holocaust Memorial Day Event reflects on the theme ‘Ordinary People’ by hearing the testimonies of Kindertransport refugee Ruth Barnett along with human rights activist Rahima Mahmut, a member of the Uyghur community.
UK High Court judge finds ‘striking consensus’ of abuses in Xinjiang
The High Court in London has said there is a “striking consensus” of “clear and widespread abuses” in Xinjiang’s cotton industry, despite refusing a legal challenge from Uyghur rights activists.
Uyghur rights group fails in legal challenge against UK government
A Uyghur rights group’s legal challenge against the British government for not investigating the import of cotton produced in Xinjiang was dismissed by a London court on Friday.
Rights groups consider legal steps in case of Uyghurs facing deportation in Malta
The European Court of Human Rights ordered the country to halt the forcible deportation of two Muslim Chinese asylum-seekers of Uyghur ethnicity whose legal applications were denied.
Uyghurs abroad, rights groups condemn visit to Xinjiang by Muslim delegation
Rights groups and Uyghurs living abroad have strongly condemned a visit to Xinjiang this week by a delegation of Muslim scholars and clerics from developing nations who voiced support for China’s policies.
Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2023: China and Tibet
This section of the annual report by Human Rights Watch reviewing human rights around the globe explores developments in China and Tibet over the course of 2022.
Ties with China strained after it refused to allow Turkish ambassador to visit Uyghur region
Turkiye's Foreign Minister has revealed that China has refused to allow the Turkish ambassador to visit the Uyghur region in the north-western Xinjiang province.
How World Responded to China's Human Rights Record in Xinjiang in 2022
While some 50 countries in 2022 have made gestures toward demanding accountability for China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, many countries still remain silent.
Renowned Uyghur poet dies following prison release in Xinjiang
A renowned Uyghur writer and poet in poor health when released from prison died on Dec. 18 because he could not obtain food or medical treatment amid a strict coronavirus lockdown, according to local information.
Police in China can track protests by enabling ‘alarms’ on Hikvision software
Chinese police can set up “alarms” for various protest activities using software provided by Hikvision, a major Chinese surveillance manufacturer, the Guardian has learned.