Here's a summary of Uyghur-related news from around the world this week:
Pakistani Uyghurs Skeptical of Chinese Emigre's Upbeat Xinjiang Narrative
Rahat Abdullah, a purported Uyghur from Xinjiang, is gaining Pakistani social media fame as a Chinese emigre. She showcases happy Uyghur life through singing, cooking and wearing traditional outfits. Some Uyghurs in Pakistan see her efforts as pro-Chinese propaganda aimed at downplaying alleged Uyghur oppression in Xinjiang.
China Showcases 'Happy Uyghur Life' to Diplomats Amid Abuse Accusations
Foreign diplomats in China have been treated to a tour of Xinjiang, where Beijing is promoting an alternative narrative of Uyghur life to counter international condemnation of human rights abuses. A delegation of diplomats from countries including Mexico, Myanmar and Iran visited Xinjiang to observe "economic and social progress" and affirm the idea that Uyghurs are leading content and happy lives. However, critics argue that these government-sponsored visits are designed to cover up rights abuses and amplify China's message, while independent investigators are denied access to the region.
Canada Probes Ralph Lauren Canada, GobiMin Over Accusations of Uyghur Forced Labor
Canada's corporate ethics watchdog, CORE, is investigating claims of Uyghur forced labor against Ralph Lauren Canada and GobiMin. Similar inquiries were launched for Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold. Mehmet Tohti, director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, told VOA that a coalition of 28 rights groups sent evidence that 13 Canadian companies have benefited from Uyghur forced labor in Xinjiang. If proven, the companies would face a loss of import licenses and would see business restrictions in Canada. CORE plans to investigate complaints against Ralph Lauren and is advising investment firm GobiMin to undertake a responsible exit policy after its Xinjiang subsidiary sale.
In brief
- Activists report a rise in arrests of Uyghurs with Turkish ties. Those targeted by Chinese authorities pursued studies abroad, particularly in Turkey. Turkey has long provided refuge for Uyghurs fleeing China because of shared ethnic and religious affiliations and has refrained from extraditing them to China. However, reports indicate that Uyghurs who pursued studies abroad, particularly in Turkey, have faced a surge in apprehensions. Notable cases include musicians Nureli Haji and Shireli Eltikin. Despite praising China's leader, Eltikin was arrested two years ago. Chinese officials deny targeting Uyghurs with Turkish ties and stress China is a country based on the rule of law. Uyghurs in the U.S. and Europe also have shared stories of recent detentions after studying abroad.
Quote of note
"So, I think even people who have been released from the internment camps are always at the risk of being potentially taken back to the camps and being sentenced," Rayhan Asat, a U.S.-based Uyghur human rights lawyer, told VOA.
