The recent events concerning the Uighur Muslim community in China have garnered international attention. This includes a notable declaration signed by 43 countries, urging China to uphold the rule of law in its treatment of the Uighur community in Xinjiang. Additionally, in March 2021, a group of Uighur Muslim women in Turkey staged an International Women’s Day march in protest of Turkey’s extradition agreement with China.
Understanding the Declaration
The declaration is a global outcry against China’s alleged human rights violations and ethnic cleansing of Uighur Muslims. Among the signatories were the United States and several other nations. This follows similar declarations made in 2019 and 2020, in which China was censured for its policies in Xinjiang. The United States has previously accused Beijing of committing genocide in the region.
As well as these accusations, the declaration called for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to be granted access to Xinjiang. It highlighted the presence of a complex network of ‘political re-education’ camps within the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, where it is believed over a million people have been arbitrarily detained.
China’s Response
Despite the allegations and the international pressure, China has consistently denied any claims of ethnic cleansing. The declaration was rejected by the nation and described as a scheme designed to smear China’s reputation. Beijing defended the camps, referring to them as ‘educational centres’ aiming to remedy radicalization and “extremist thoughts” among the Uighurs, while also providing vocational training. However, these claims are disputed, with many critics labeling the facilities as harsh imprisonment camps.
India’s Perspective
In comparison to other nations, the Indian government has largely refrained from commenting on the Uighur crisis.
About the Uighur Muslims
The Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group of Turkic origins, principally found in Central and East Asia. They have their own language, closely related to Turkish, and identify more with Central Asian countries culturally and ethnically. Despite being one of the 55 officially recognized ethnic minority groups in China, the Chinese government only acknowledges the Uighurs as a regional minority, denying their indigenous status. The majority of Uighurs live in China’s Xinjiang region, with smaller populations in neighboring Central Asian countries.
The Persecution of Uighurs
Uighur Muslims have faced increasing discrimination and hostility over the years. As Xinjiang became more prosperous, an influx of Han Chinese, the majority ethnic group in China, migrated to the region. The Uighurs claim that this has led to job displacement, cultural erosion, and a sense of diminished identity. Tensions culminated in a violent riot in 2009, killing 200 people, primarily Han Chinese, in the region’s capital, Urumqi.
A Path Forward
Multiple steps have been proposed to address this crisis. First and foremost, China is being urged to close its “Vocational Training Centers”, and release religious and political prisoners from prisons and detention camps. Furthermore, the adoption of multiculturalism is suggested, recognising and integrating Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims as equal citizens. All nations are encouraged to reassess their stance on the matter, with a global call for China to halt the persecution of Muslims and the prohibition of Islam in Xinjiang.
