Save Uyghur Calls for Renewed Advocacy on the 75th Anniversary of China’s Invasion of East Turkistan

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Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Calls for Renewed Advocacy on the 75th Anniversary of China’s Invasion of East Turkistan

October 1, 2024—Washington, DC: Today marks a solemn occasion as the world observes the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). For millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples, this date represents not a celebration, but a tragedy. On October 12, 1949, just days after the PRC’s founding, the People’s Liberation Army invaded East Turkistan, culminating in the overthrow of the East Turkistan Republic by December of that year. Six years later, on October 1, 1955, the Chinese government forcibly established the so-called ‘Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.’

As the world marks China’s National Day, the Save Uyghur Campaign calls for renewed global advocacy to address the oppression that has defined East Turkistan’s recent history.

“China’s National Day starkly contrasts with the suffering endured by the Uyghur people,” said Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All. “What is celebrated in China as a national milestone is remembered by the Uyghurs as the start of decades of brutal occupation, repression, and broken promises. Today, we are reminded of the ongoing Uyghur genocide, now in its eighth year. Let this anniversary not be a moment of reflection, but a call to action.”

Arslan Hidayat, Team Lead of the Save Uyghur Campaign, emphasized the importance of international solidarity: “Seventy-five years of occupation have led to unimaginable suffering—millions displaced, lives lost, and an entire culture under threat. What should have been a day of national celebration is instead a day of mourning for millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples. The global community must unite to end this genocide and restore the Uyghur people’s dignity.”

The ongoing Uyghur genocide, now in its eighth year, is part of a longer history of cultural erasure, forced labor, mass surveillance, and arbitrary detention. The Save Uyghur Campaign urges the world to take meaningful action to stop these human rights abuses and to hold China accountable for its actions.

On this anniversary, the Save Uyghur Campaign calls for urgent global action, including:

1. Condemnation of the Occupation: The international community must unequivocally denounce China’s invasion and continued occupation of East Turkistan. It is critical to recognize and support the Uyghur people’s right to resist foreign subjugation and fight for their independence.
2. Recognition of the Brutality: East Turkistan must be recognized as an occupied nation. The ongoing genocide and human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples are deeply rooted in China’s colonial and oppressive policies.

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign calls on the international community to stand with East Turkistan and reject China’s tyranny. The time for decisive global action is now. Stand for justice. Stand with East Turkistan.

Contact: Justice For All
Save Uyghur Campaign
Phone: (202) 922-5878
Email: hena@justiceforall.org
Website: www.saveuyghur.org