Modern Genocide:
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Genocide. A word that I was hesitant to associate with the human rights violations against Uyghurs. Yet, although not as violent as some, these mentally straining atrocities are unequivocally given the title of “genocide”. It is more prevalent than you think. Some of the everyday products you use including masks, cars, or even your Nike hoodie could be made by Uyghurs suffering in the midst of slave-like conditions.
Uyghurs are an ethnic group that primarily consists of Muslims. They make up almost half of Xinjiang, China, yet are also the overwhelming minority ethnic group within the entirety of China. Through suppression, re-education camps, and gross mistreatment, genocide has been committed against Uyghurs.
A fundamental human right is to practice religion. However, in China, the practice of Islam is considered “extremist behavior.” Any Uyghur who wears clothing associated with their religion or possesses a book related to such a religion is subject to detainment. Yet, re-education camps are objectively worse than traditional prisons. Here, Uyghurs are forced to stand in still positions for 12 hours, sing political songs, and adhere to a different culture in opposition to their own. It is evident that China’s inherent objective is to brainwash Uyghurs, to eventually achieve “cultural erasion of Uyghurs.”
There is no justification for trying to eliminate a cultural group, whether through violence or forced assimilation in this case. When Uyghurs leave these detention camps, they are indoctrinated. They fear the chance of experiencing mental, physical, and discriminatory abuse once again. This provokes Uyghurs to abandon their culture, thus having China succeed in their goal.
A common misconception about terrorism is not only held by the Chinese Government but also a large portion of the global population. An entire ethnic group cannot be characterized as a “terrorist group.” Such a misconception is analogous to saying that just because teens make up a portion of those who have shoplifted, every single teen is a thief. Essentially, we cannot associate a select portion’s wrongdoing with an entire ethnic group. China has used this as their excuse to try to eliminate the Muslim faith in their country.
Most of the initiatives aimed at ending this prolonged crisis have been focused on a governmental level, from implementing sanctions on China or diplomatic consequences. But what can you do? First, communicate the issue to your friends, family, the public, or even your legislative representative. As more people are aware of this atrocious crisis, it is more likely that our Government will attend to the issue. Furthermore, as more conversation surrounds the issue, China is more likely to be pressured into eliminating detention camps.
Many organizations aim to alleviate the crisis and put an end to discrimination against Uyghurs. These being the Uyghur Human Rights Project, the Uyghur American Association, and Save Uyghurs. If you have the financial means of doing so, donating would be tremendously impactful towards preserving Uyghur culture, influencing our government, and ending the heinous act of genocide.
Your voice and advocacy matters. You can prevent genocide from perpetuating the future generations. If you have the privilege of freely practicing your religion, it is your responsibility to advocate for those who don’t.
Work Cited:
“Jewish Leaders Use Holocaust Day to Decry Persecution of Uighurs.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 24 Jan. 2021, www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/24/jewish-leaders-use-holocaust-day-to-decry-persecution-of-uighurs.
BBC News. “Who Are the Uyghurs and Why Is China Being Accused of Genocide?” BBC News, 26 Mar. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-22278037.
Amnesty International. “Up to One Million Detained in China’s Mass €œre-Education†Drive.” Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/09/china-up-to-one-million-detained. Accessed 20 June 2021.
Uyghurs are an ethnic group that primarily consists of Muslims. They make up almost half of Xinjiang, China, yet are also the overwhelming minority ethnic group within the entirety of China. Through suppression, re-education camps, and gross mistreatment, genocide has been committed against Uyghurs.
A fundamental human right is to practice religion. However, in China, the practice of Islam is considered “extremist behavior.” Any Uyghur who wears clothing associated with their religion or possesses a book related to such a religion is subject to detainment. Yet, re-education camps are objectively worse than traditional prisons. Here, Uyghurs are forced to stand in still positions for 12 hours, sing political songs, and adhere to a different culture in opposition to their own. It is evident that China’s inherent objective is to brainwash Uyghurs, to eventually achieve “cultural erasion of Uyghurs.”
There is no justification for trying to eliminate a cultural group, whether through violence or forced assimilation in this case. When Uyghurs leave these detention camps, they are indoctrinated. They fear the chance of experiencing mental, physical, and discriminatory abuse once again. This provokes Uyghurs to abandon their culture, thus having China succeed in their goal.
A common misconception about terrorism is not only held by the Chinese Government but also a large portion of the global population. An entire ethnic group cannot be characterized as a “terrorist group.” Such a misconception is analogous to saying that just because teens make up a portion of those who have shoplifted, every single teen is a thief. Essentially, we cannot associate a select portion’s wrongdoing with an entire ethnic group. China has used this as their excuse to try to eliminate the Muslim faith in their country.
Most of the initiatives aimed at ending this prolonged crisis have been focused on a governmental level, from implementing sanctions on China or diplomatic consequences. But what can you do? First, communicate the issue to your friends, family, the public, or even your legislative representative. As more people are aware of this atrocious crisis, it is more likely that our Government will attend to the issue. Furthermore, as more conversation surrounds the issue, China is more likely to be pressured into eliminating detention camps.
Many organizations aim to alleviate the crisis and put an end to discrimination against Uyghurs. These being the Uyghur Human Rights Project, the Uyghur American Association, and Save Uyghurs. If you have the financial means of doing so, donating would be tremendously impactful towards preserving Uyghur culture, influencing our government, and ending the heinous act of genocide.
Your voice and advocacy matters. You can prevent genocide from perpetuating the future generations. If you have the privilege of freely practicing your religion, it is your responsibility to advocate for those who don’t.
Work Cited:
“Jewish Leaders Use Holocaust Day to Decry Persecution of Uighurs.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 24 Jan. 2021, www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/24/jewish-leaders-use-holocaust-day-to-decry-persecution-of-uighurs.
BBC News. “Who Are the Uyghurs and Why Is China Being Accused of Genocide?” BBC News, 26 Mar. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-22278037.
Amnesty International. “Up to One Million Detained in China’s Mass €œre-Education†Drive.” Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/09/china-up-to-one-million-detained. Accessed 20 June 2021.
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