Detainees listening to speeches in a camp in Lop County, Xinjiang, April 2017

by Dilshat Sultan

Jan. 1 2024

As the world rings in the New Year in places like New York, Shanghai, Sydney, and London, it's important to remember that not all corners of the globe share the same celebration. In places like Uyghur homeland (East Turkistan), Gaza, and more, there's no joy, only suppression, war, and unimaginable suffering.

The Uyghur people have faced severe suppression under the occupation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for years. Since 2017, China escalated this by establishing arbitrary detention centers, effectively concentration camps, leading to what's been declared as genocide. A significant United Nations report in August 2022 and statements from various nations have labeled these acts as crimes against humanity.

Despite condemnations and joint statements from over 50 countries, there's been a lack of concrete action. China invests heavily in propaganda, concealing the truth about the Uyghurs from the world. While global attention gravitates towards crises like Gaza, action often falls short. The lack of substantial intervention in Gaza's plight raises doubts about the world's readiness to act on larger, complex issues like the Uyghur crisis under China's rule. If concerted efforts don't materialize for Gaza, it's daunting to expect robust support for the Uyghurs. This disparity in response highlights the challenge of garnering effective global action, especially when facing powerful entities like China, making it a grim reality for those seeking justice and relief in regions like East Turkistan.

In the face of such grave atrocities, it's disheartening to expect immediate global intervention. Yet, awareness is key. It's up to each of us to spread the truth, demand action, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed, even as the New Year begins. The hope lies in sustained advocacy, international pressure, and collective efforts to bring justice to those suffering under such oppression.