Beijing-based ambassadors and diplomats from 25 developing countries visited the Uyghur region recently on invitation from the Chinese government. The visit was the latest effort by the Chinese government to prop up their official narrative that Uyghurs, Turkic and Muslim peoples are thriving and, contrary to accusations of genocide and forced labor by human rights organizations, exemplify economic and social progress.
Economic ties equal a rubber stamp for rights abuses and forced labor
Visits for foreign officials and influential people across a variety of professions have been on the rise as seen by the recent social media influencers visit to a Shein factory. In this most recent diplomatic visit, all participating countries have strong economic ties to China and have benefited from infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Henryk Szadziewski, director of research at the Uyghur Human Rights Project, said
“Whether it is a western vlogger doing a travel blog or diplomats from countries that are friendly… (the) message that Xinjiang is now safe and prosperous as a region (is) a consistent tactic employed by the Chinese government to conceal their wrongdoings”
These visits attempt to paint “reeducation camps” as voluntary vocational training centers and not the forced labor concentration camps they are. A 2022 U.N human rights report on the camps found serious human rights violations “including allegations of torture, sexual violence, ill-treatment, forced medical treatment, as well as forced labor and reports of deaths in custody.”
Spreading propaganda and covering up crimes
Not just anyone is invited to visit the Uyghur region and China has rejected repeated requests by human rights groups and the U.S government for independent investigators be able to visit the region.
Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch, said:
“If everything is fine, why not let in independent international investigators, particularly given the mountain of evidence of some of the most serious crimes under international law?”
Sayragul Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh, was forced to stay at one of the Uyghur “re-education” camps and she cautions visiting diplomats that by ignoring China’s rights abuses in the region they become accomplices in the crimes.
Shout the truth and demand China end the exploitation!
Freedom United is committed to sharing the truth about Uyghur forced labor by the Chinese government from solar panels, to cotton and manufacturing. Stand with us and tell the Chinese government you know the truth! Urge the government to end the persecution and exploitation of Uyghurs and other marginalized groups through the use of forced labor. Join the campaign by signing the petition.
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.
Lord loose the captive of the mighty man, deliver the prey of the tyrant, contend with those who contend with us and save your sons and daughters-But the LORD says,
“The captives of warriors will be released,
and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved.
For I will fight those who fight you,
and I will save your children. (Isaiah 49:25) Lord expose and dispose of the evil behind these forced labor camps and loose the captives and set them free in Jesus name.
Until Human Rights Groups and Independent Organisations are able to visit and see the Uyghur people freely no-one will believe that these people live in freedom and can leave whenever they choose.
As a long time advocate for Tibet, it us frustrating that trade and economic ties are holding back political parties from challenging China apart from mentioning the human rights abuse. Just talk. Now China’s propaganda and interference in the Pacific is
coming under scrutiny.
Those in exile are too afraid to speak out because of threats to family.
Please do not forget 1.2 million Tibetans who still suffer persecution, torture.
Hi, I’m interested in the plight of the Uyghur Muslims in China. What can I do to help address the issue head on?
this is propaganda…from Beijing…