The International Union of East Turkistan Organisations (IUETO) visited India to advocate for Uyghur rights and raise awareness about human rights violations in Xinjiang. Their delegation highlighted the situation’s urgency and sought India’s support against China’s oppressive policies. They expressed disappointment with the silence of the OIC on Uyghurs and urged recognition for three imprisoned Uyghur siblings as refugees. Their mission seeks to unite the Uyghur community and garner international advocacy.
In a poignant effort to advocate for Uyghur rights, the International Union of East Turkistan Organisations (IUETO) recently made a heartfelt plea in India. Their visit, spanning ten days, focused on raising awareness about the plight of Uyghur Muslims amidst alarming reports of human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region, including mass detentions and forced labor. IUETO’s delegation, comprising leaders from Turkey, met with various Indian officials, academics, and civil society groups to highlight the significance of their cause. They emphasized that Uyghurs not only suffer human rights violations but their struggles also relate to regional security, as East Turkistan shares a border with India. Hidayet Oguzhan, the IUETO President, reiterated the urgency of India’s support, especially in light of China’s aggressive expansionist policies. He stated the need for India to voice concerns on international platforms, linking the Uyghur situation to broader geopolitical tensions with China. During the discussions, the delegation planned a cultural gathering to foster unity among the Uyghur community in India, which has a historical presence of around 200 members, mainly in Jammu and Kashmir. This community mirrors a centuries-old bond to East Turkistan, emphasizing the need for solidarity. While the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has largely remained silent on Uyghur issues, IUETO aims to engage other countries like Japan and Malaysia to draw attention to their cause. They lamented the unwillingness of some OIC members, under China’s influence, to address Uyghur rights. The delegation expressed skepticism regarding recent Chinese claims of progress in Xinjiang, arguing that such narratives merely serve propaganda purposes to mask ongoing atrocities. They critiqued controlled media access to Xinjiang, indicating that genuine voices from the region are systematically silenced. Regarding the case of three Uyghur siblings currently imprisoned in India for over a decade without proper legal resolution, IUETO has pleaded for their recognition as refugees. They shared the emotional distress of these individuals who fled atrocities and have been trapped in the Indian legal system, appealing for intervention and humanitarian compassion.
The backdrop of the IUETO delegation’s visit to India highlights profound issues of oppression in East Turkistan, where Uyghur Muslims have faced severe human rights abuses at the hands of the Chinese government. Amidst global concerns of genocide and mass surveillance, the group seeks to forge alliances and raise international awareness about this plight. Their historical and cultural ties, alongside contemporary political contexts, frame the urgency of advocating for Uyghur rights.
The IUETO’s journey to India stands as a beacon for Uyghur rights, calling for international solidarity and action against the egregious abuses orchestrated in East Turkistan. As they strive to build connections and awareness, their message resonates: the fight for Uyghur dignity is a crucial fight for humanity itself. The plea for refugee status for Uyghurs in India underscores the urgent need for supportive measures, bringing the plight of a marginalized group into the global conversation.
Original Source: sundayguardianlive.com
