Human Rights of Uyghurs in Turkey Jeapordized by Economic Interests
August 11th, 2023
Justice For All Canada stands in solidarity with the Uyghur community in Turkey. The country's complex web of political and economic interests now endangers refugee safety and human rights.
Canadian activists previously appreciated Turkey as one of the only safe havens for Uyghur Muslims escaping Chinese state repression and genocide. However, a disturbing new report reveals that in recent years, the country has experienced a shift towards Uyghur refugees. Turkey's alignment with Beijing's economic pursuits has raised serious concerns about its commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of Uyghurs within its borders.
“As an international community, we must recognize that Uyghurs are not pawns in a geopolitical game but persecuted individuals with inherent human rights. We can’t allow economic interests to overshadow our responsibilities towards genocide victims,” expressed Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Canadians are urging Turkey to reject the example of fellow Muslim states failing to honour non-refoulement obligations. This is especially relevant in the case of Idris Hasan, an Uyghur activist who fled oppression in East Turkestan. Yet today, Hasan is imprisoned in a solitary cell in Morocco, facing the risk of deportation. His plight mirrors broader challenges faced by Uyghur refugees in Turkey and elsewhere.
Canada & Uyghur Refugees
Earlier this year, Canada’s parliament voted unanimously to support Motion 62, calling the federal government to accept 10,000 Uyghur refugees fleeing persecution.
The motion underscored growing international acknowledgement of the dire situation faced by Uyghurs who have fled to third countries. It also emphasized how Uyghurs continue to face pressure and intimidation from the Chinese state to return, putting them at risk of arbitrary detention, forced sterilization, forced labour, torture, and other atrocities.
The motion also highlighted the Chinese government’s wide-reaching pressure on countries providing refuge, such as Turkey.
Ultimately, Canada’s support for accepting Uyghurs must, at the least, set an example for other nations to continue protecting refugees at risk of mass crimes against humanity, particularly in East Turkestan and China.
Justice For All Canada stands in solidarity with the Uyghur community in Turkey. The country's complex web of political and economic interests now endangers refugee safety and human rights.
Canadian activists previously appreciated Turkey as one of the only safe havens for Uyghur Muslims escaping Chinese state repression and genocide. However, a disturbing new report reveals that in recent years, the country has experienced a shift towards Uyghur refugees. Turkey's alignment with Beijing's economic pursuits has raised serious concerns about its commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of Uyghurs within its borders.
“As an international community, we must recognize that Uyghurs are not pawns in a geopolitical game but persecuted individuals with inherent human rights. We can’t allow economic interests to overshadow our responsibilities towards genocide victims,” expressed Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Canadians are urging Turkey to reject the example of fellow Muslim states failing to honour non-refoulement obligations. This is especially relevant in the case of Idris Hasan, an Uyghur activist who fled oppression in East Turkestan. Yet today, Hasan is imprisoned in a solitary cell in Morocco, facing the risk of deportation. His plight mirrors broader challenges faced by Uyghur refugees in Turkey and elsewhere.
Canada & Uyghur Refugees
Earlier this year, Canada’s parliament voted unanimously to support Motion 62, calling the federal government to accept 10,000 Uyghur refugees fleeing persecution.
The motion underscored growing international acknowledgement of the dire situation faced by Uyghurs who have fled to third countries. It also emphasized how Uyghurs continue to face pressure and intimidation from the Chinese state to return, putting them at risk of arbitrary detention, forced sterilization, forced labour, torture, and other atrocities.
The motion also highlighted the Chinese government’s wide-reaching pressure on countries providing refuge, such as Turkey.
Ultimately, Canada’s support for accepting Uyghurs must, at the least, set an example for other nations to continue protecting refugees at risk of mass crimes against humanity, particularly in East Turkestan and China.