Press Release – For immediate release
4 July 2014
Contact: World Uyghur Congress www.uyghurcongress.org
0049 (0) 89 5432 1999 or contact@uyghurcongress.org
Dear Chancellor Merkel,
The World Uyghur Congress writes to you on behalf of those that have, and continue to, fall victim to the increasingly intolerant and repressive measures meted out by the Chinese government on Uyghur. Your visit to the country would provide an appropriate opportunity to raise the issue in a constructive way with President Xi Jing Ping.
We often stress that our representatives raise these issues with those that we deem it pressing to do so, and far too often are these concerns disregarded in favour of treading lightly, especially with regards to China. It is too easy to criticize those weaker than us, those that cannot fight back or challenge condemnation, but where value truly lies is in our ability to stand up and call out those with which we strongly disagree. This is not an issue of cultural difference or permitting a wide margin of appreciation for Chinese policies, but one of very basic human rights – the fundamental right to live a secure and dignified life.
The past two years have seen an increase in the use of violence and an even more heavy-handed approach by the Chinese in the region. Countless Uyghurs have been arrested and indefinitely detained without trial and others have disappeared without trace. Ilham Tohti, an economics professor and vocal critic of the regime, remains in prison without trial along with numerous others. Although Chinese law respects peaceful protest and demonstration as well as freedom of opinion and of the press, the courts do not have the power of judicial review so are unable to strike down legislation that may conflict with these norms. As a result, China continues to pass arbitrary laws that encourage further repression.
It cannot, however, be disregarded that China carries enormous influence internationally and we must not trivialize the constraints that we act within. Practically speaking, we must emphasize dialogue and a results-oriented approach that favours real progress on the issue, rather than hostility.
While Germany is a state that outwardly respects human rights and champions them within its own borders, it also has the obligation to ensure that others are doing the same within their own contexts. This cannot be an exercise in the use of force or hyperbole, as this approach only serves to further antagonize, but of a practical effort at mutual accord on the matter. Human dignity and security are both universal values that we must all work towards achieving.
That being said, we collectively urge you to use your influence to conduct both constructive and positive dialogue with Chinese leadership in hopes of addressing the human rights concerns for those that have no real voice.
Yours sincerely,
Rebiya Kadeer
President
World Uyghur Congress
About the WUC
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is an international umbrella organization that represents the collective interest of the Uyghur people both in East Turkestan and abroad and promotes Uyghur human rights and a peaceful and non-violent solution based on rule of law for the conflict in East Turkestan.
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