CEFTUS Online Talk on Uyghur Genocide
Does China’s ongoing persecution of the Uighurs amount to genocide, and what can the international community do about it?
On his last day in office, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, ‘I believe this genocide is ongoing, and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uighurs by the Chinese party-state’. Though several Western governments have raised their concerns about China’s intensification of repression of the Uighurs in its western Xinjiang region since 2014, this statement by the US labelling the actions a ‘genocide’ shows a new determination that China’s Uighur policy will face greater international scrutiny in future. This position has been maintain by the Biden administration.
This online talk will first highlight what is happening to the Uighurs and why it amounts to genocide. Second, it will explore the UK’s responsibility to act and whether the recent genocide amendment to the Trade Bill offers a solution. Third, it will highlight why the UK needs a new law to require companies to prevent human rights abuses in their supply chains. Finally, it will examine Turkey’s responsibility in light of the extradition treaty it signed with China, which has caused much anxiety among the Uighur refugees in Turkey.
When: Thursday, 18 March, 2021
19:00 GMT
The event is open to all and to join you must register via the link below
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckc-qspzIpGdAts6TVB-fS6_m3DQv0DSq7
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
*The event is 1.5 hours long. The last 30 minutes will be a Q&A session.
Due to limited participation quota in Zoom event, we will be broadcasting our meeting live on Facebook as well.
Rahima Mahmut – is a Uyghur singer, human rights activist and the award-winning translator of the poignant prison memoir “The Land Drenched in Tears” by Soyungul Chanishe. She is the UK Project Director for the World Uyghur Congress.
Matthew Turner is Chair of the Labour Campaign for Human Rights, where his main areas of focus are corporate supply chains and economic, social and cultural rights. He is also a practising barrister at Crown Office Chambers, specialising in personal injury, clinical negligence, inquests and public inquiries. Matthew is also an advisor to the World Uyghur Congress (UK) and the Stop Uyghur Genocide campaign.
Michael Polak is a barrister practising in human rights, criminal and international law at Church Court Chambers. Michael is a Director at Justice Abroad, which helps people who need assistance dealing with legal proceedings overseas. Michael is also on the advisory committee of the World Uyghur Congress London office and undertakes work for the WUC and Uyghurs and their families who have been subject to disappearance or arbitrary detention.