The exiled East Turkistan government is worried about genocide in its country

The East Turkistan government-in-exile issued a statement expressing concern over the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ statement, calling it a ‘major departure in the UN’s stance’ on the ongoing genocide in East Turkistan.

In its statement on Thursday, ETGE said the OHCHR had “downplayed” the deteriorating situation in East Turkistan as a result of “problematic policies,” dangerously downplaying the gravity of China’s ongoing crimes.

🗞️📢 ETGE strongly rejected @UNHumanRights @volker_turk‘Attempt to whitewash’ #ChinaChina’s crimes were described as mere “problematic policies.” #EastTurkestan These are nothing less than genocide and crimes against humanity. #Uyghur genocidehttps://t.co/y6I1Etv2wm

— East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) (@ETExileGov) August 29, 2024

Expressing his/her concern over the matter, ETGE President Mamtimin Ala said, “The UN’s failure to hold China accountable for its genocidal actions is a direct betrayal of the principles of justice and human rights that the international community must uphold. By downplaying genocide as merely ‘problematic policies,’ the UN risks legitimizing China’s crimes.”

The ETGE statement further said that the Chinese government is making false claims that its genocidal policies in East Turkistan are necessary to “combat extremism, terrorism and separatism.”

However, the statement said, these statements are nothing more than a cynical attempt to justify its ongoing campaign of colonisation, genocide and occupation in East Turkistan.

“The reality is clear that China is actively working to erase our identity, faith and existence to ensure its occupation of our homeland,” ETGE said.

ETGE also said that it is important to highlight that the actions of the Chinese government have been recognised as genocide and crimes against humanity by the US government and the parliaments of more than a dozen Western countries. These international recognitions demand urgent global action.

The statement further said it condemns the UN Human Rights Office for failing to fully acknowledge and act on the gravity of these crimes. It said that by limiting China’s crimes to mere “problematic policies”, OHCHR is not only failing in its mandate but is also dangerously close to legitimising China’s genocide and crimes against humanity in occupied East Turkistan as legitimate policy actions. This is a betrayal of the principles of justice and human rights that the UN must uphold.

Furthermore, ETGE Foreign Minister Saleh Hudayar said, “We demand immediate and uncompromising action from UN human rights chief Volker Turk and the international community. The Uyghur genocide must be placed at the top of the agenda of the UN Security Council and General Assembly; furthermore, we urge global support for East Turkistan’s legal efforts to seek justice through the International Criminal Court.”

The ETGE also demanded that the restoration of East Turkistan’s independence is not just a regional issue; it is a global imperative. “It is the only way to safeguard the freedom and survival of the Uighurs and other Turkic peoples. The world must no longer remain silent. The time for decisive action is now. History will judge those who fail to act in the face of genocide,” it said.