The East Turkistan Government-in-Exile (ETGE) immediately calls on the US Senate to pass the Uyghur Policy Act without delay to establish a special coordinator for Uyghur issues within the US State Department. The people of East Turkestan have been advocating for such a position since 1997, demanding parity with Tibet in US policy.
On February 20, 2024, leading a coalition of 60 East Turkestan and Uyghur organizations in the diaspora, ETGE presented a joint letter to Congress calling for recognition of East Turkestan as an occupied country enduring Chinese colonialism. It was urged to give in and called for speedy passage. Uyghur Policy Act, read the ETGE press release.
“We urge the US Senate to act swiftly and decisively. The Uyghur Policy Act is not just a piece of legislation; This is a lifeline for millions of people suffering under China’s brutal occupation of East Turkestan,” said Salih Hudayar, ETGE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Security.
The recent passage of the RESOLVE TIBET Act by the US Senate brings hope to both Tibetans and East Turkestans. However, there remains a clear inconsistency in US policy between its stance on East Turkestan and Tibet.
In addition to passage of the Uyghur Policy Act, ETGE called on Congress to rapidly introduce and pass a Resolve East Turkestan Act similar to the Resolve Tibet Act. Such legislation would strengthen the U.S. commitment to addressing the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in East Turkistan and supporting the people of East Turkistan’s pursuit of justice and external self-determination.
ETGE has also called on the US to counter the disinformation spread by the Chinese government and the CCP about East Turkestan. This includes correcting historical narratives and using the native name East Turkestan instead of the Chinese colonial term “Xinjiang (New Territory or Colony)”.
The urgency of addressing the root cause of the ongoing Uyghur genocide in East Turkistan cannot be overstated. At the root of this crisis is Chinese colonization and occupation. ETGE urged Congress to introduce and adopt a resolution recognizing the status of East Turkestan as an occupied country, similar to US policy regarding Tibet.
“The US Congress has an historic opportunity to lead the international community in standing up for justice, human rights, and self-determination. “By passing the Uyghur Policy Act and recognizing the plight of East Turkistan, they can help end the ongoing Uyghur genocide and support our pursuit of independence and self-determination consistent with existing U.S. policies such as the Captive Nations Law,” the President said. Dr Mamtimin Ala said. Of the East Turkestan government-in-exile.
The East Turkistan Government-in-exile is committed to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the people of East Turkistan and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard and their plight addressed on the global stage.