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:
Palestinian Leader’s Endorsement of China's Xinjiang Policy Sparks Backlash
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas recently visited Beijing, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and expressed support for China's treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
VW investors question how Xinjiang plant audit will be run
Many consultancy and due diligence firms in China refuse to audit in Xinjiang because of heightened difficulty of getting reliable reports there, raising questions on how reliable the outcome will be.
Three Uyghur brothers who fled into India a decade ago aim to seek asylum in Canada
Detained in India since escaping China’s Xinjiang province a decade ago, three Uyghur brothers now seek asylum in Canada due to the growing risk of deportation back to China.
What’s Next for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?
This article analyzes the impact of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act a year since it was signed into law, and next steps for strengthening US sanctions against goods linked to forced labour in Xinjiang.
From Fear to Freedom: A Uyghur’s Journey
For decades, Kasim Kashgar has lived in fear: first as a Uyghur living in China's Xinjiang region under Beijing's repressive policies, and later as an exile, acutely aware of the risk to his family in China if he speaks out.
US government, activists demand release of jailed 19-year-old Uyghur student
Kamile Wayit is serving jail time in Xinjiang for "advocating extremism", after she was detained for posting a video about protests relating to coronavirus restrictions in China.
US lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to give priority refugee status to Uyghurs
It designates Uyghurs and other ethnic groups persecuted by the Chinese government as priority 2, and expedites their ability to apply for asylum in the United States.
Uyghur university student serving 13-year sentence for using VPN
Authorities stated he “posed a threat to national security” by using a virtual private network, or VPN, to bypass official internet sensors and view “illegal information”.
Uyghur hatmaker and wife confirmed to have died in prison in Xinjiang
Detained in 2017 for “illegal” religious activities, the couple - who were in their 60s and 70s, died while serving their 10 year sentences.
US House panel urges further action Uyghur forced labor
In a new report, the House Select Committee on China recommended removing a loophole allowing apparel websites to sell clothes in the United States made by Uyghur forced labour.
Uyghur motorcycle repairman’s corpse released by prison in Kashgar prefecture
A Uyghur motorcycle repairman detained in a Xinjiang prison since 2017 for making a religious pilgrimage abroad years ago is reported to have died in jail.
New details about Uyghur law school student’s suicide come to light
Police files reveal the 22-year-old was distraught over the detention of her father, a Chinese Communist party cadre and member of the village’s People’s Congress, for “threatening national security.”
China using spies to keep Muslim Uyghurs from fasting during Ramadan
Chinese police are using spies to make sure that Uyghur Muslims are not fasting during the holy month of Ramadan – including members of their own ethnic group, according to a police insider.
Holding out hope for a ‘spring’ free from China’s repression
While spring has arrived in parts of the world, many Uyghurs are still waiting for their spring to arrive, the main sentiment expressed in a new collection by writers with connections to Xinjiang.
European Commission chief’s comments on Uyghurs fall short of expectations
European Commission President discussed human rights issues with China’s Xi Jinping during a high-level meeting in Beijing, a topic usually avoided by European leaders when they visit the Chinese capital for talks.
US Senate Probes Alleged Chinese Forced Labor in Auto Supply Chain
The Senate Finance Committee is investigating U.S. and foreign auto manufacturers and suppliers for potential links to forced labor practices in China’s Xinjiang region.
Demolition of Kashgar’s Khan Bazaar creates uncertain future for Uyghur shop owners
Kashgar’s centuries-old Khan Bazaar, is being demolished by Chinese authorities. Authorities in China’s Xinjiang region say they want to upgrade the area and replace dilapidated structures.
Fashion show at EU's Parliament draws attention to forced labor in apparel industry
The fashion show came as members of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union gathered to discuss and agree on a proposal to ban products made with forced labor.
UK’s Labour Party to recognize Uyghur genocide if it wins elections
The United Kingdom’s opposition Labour Party will aim to declare the Chinese government’s treatment of the Uyghurs a genocide if it wins the next general election.
In Istanbul, the last Uyghur bookshops struggle to survive
Caught between a vindictive Chinese state and Turkish police, Uyghur booksellers try to preserve their language and culture.