Here is a look at the latest Uyghur-related news around the world.
U.S. Senate report highlights Uyghur labor concerns in auto supply chains
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee investigation finds that automakers BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen shipped cars and parts linked to forced Uyghur labor in China, which are banned in the U.S. The report says the car manufacturers are not policing their supply chains. The carmakers responded and said they acted to comply with the law.
Seafood production soars in Xinjiang despite U.S. sanctions over Uyghur forced labor
There has been an increase of Seafood production in Xinjiang, China, home to the Uyghurs. The Bingtuan Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau reported a 12.4% rise in fishery output, totaling $15.6 million in the first quarter of 2024. Species including crab, crayfish, and sturgeon were responsible for the growth in output reported by SeafoodSource. The increase is happening at a time when there are continued concerns in the U.S. over Uyghur forced labor practices in China, which Beijing has denied and said it is a lie. A U.S. ban is in place of imported goods linked to Uyghur forced labor.
Chinese official praises Xinjiang's development in Pakistan seminar
During a seminar in Islamabad, Chinese diplomat Shi Yuanqiang said the region is experiencing religious freedom and “enjoying the best time in its history.” The event featured Uyghur children lip-syncing Chinese songs. Human rights publication Bitter Winter described the event as “China’s propaganda spreading fake news.”
Uyghur leader resigns amid harassment claims
Nury Turkel resigned as chair of the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. The UHRP board accepted his resignation and appointed a successor. The prominent Washington, D.C.-based Uyghur rights group has a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment. The organization had hired a law firm to investigate the accusations when they first surfaced.
Uyghur author Tahir Hamut Izgil wins 2024 Václav Havel Prize
The Human Rights Foundation has awarded Uyghur poet and activist Tahir Hamut Izgil the 2024 Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent. Izgil, known for his poetry and activism, fled the Uyghur region in 2017. His memoir, "Waiting to Be Arrested at Night," details his experiences and escape. Other recipients include Iranian hip-hop artist Toomaj Salehi and Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero.
Uyghur linguist and activist Abduweli Ayup wins 2024 Language Rights Defenders Award
The Global Coalition for Language Rights has named Uyghur exile, activist and linguist Abduweli Ayup as the first recipient of the Language Rights Defenders Award. Ayup is recognized for promoting the Uyghur language through writing, teaching, and advocacy.
15-year-old Uyghur becomes youngest Chinese to summit Mount Everest
Elqut Dilshad (Alikut Dilxat in Chinese) who is a 15-years-old Uyghur has made history by ascending Mount Everest's southern slope. Chinese state media described him as the youngest Chinese to reach the summit of the mountain called Mount Qomolangma by the Chinese and Tibetans.