World Uyghur Congress faces threats from China ahead of 8th General Assembly

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) highlighted the growing threats posed by China. The Germany-based international organization said that, ahead of its 8th General Assembly, a coordinated and aggressive campaign targeting its members, staff and representatives has reached unprecedented levels.

Reports indicate that the threats have increased in both number and complexity due to this incident. The Chinese Embassy has reportedly pressured the WUC to cancel the gathering and issued a specific threat regarding the arrest of former WUC president Dolkun Isa, a German citizen, in Sarajevo.

The organization further said that proxy Uyghur organizations are allegedly being used to instill fear among participants, citing the extradition treaty between China and Bosnia and Herzegovina as raising security concerns.

The WUC also reported a variety of hazards, including warnings of physical harm, such as staged car crashes, and possible disruption during assembly. Sabotage schemes, including large-scale spam campaigns targeting WUC communications channels, as well as potential power outages, further increase the challenges.

Slanderous attacks aimed at discrediting the WUC leadership have intensified, along with personal threats against delegates and candidates, with reports of coercion by Chinese authorities to include their relatives.

This escalation represents a clear attempt to intimidate the Uyghur community and silence their voices.

WUC condemns these acts of international repression and is committed to advocating for Uyghur human rights. The organization confirmed that the General Assembly will proceed as planned with measures taken to ensure the safety of all participants.

The gathering serves as an important forum to elect leadership, set strategic priorities, and address the ongoing Uyghur genocide, while highlighting the repressive tactics adopted by the Chinese government against Uyghurs abroad.

The WUC convenes its General Assembly every three years, making it an important moment for the organization to advance the Uyghur cause in international forums. The Assembly plays an important role in addressing the ongoing genocide and highlighting the growing system of oppression, including international repression, that targets Uyghurs abroad and undermines the global human rights system.