UHRP Supports U.S. Senate Bill to Strengthen Diplomatic Response to Uyghur Crisis
April 8, 2022 | 4:00 p.m. EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact: Omer Kanat +1 (202) 790-1795, Peter Irwin +1 (646) 906-7722
The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) is encouraged by the introduction of the Uyghur Policy Act of 2021 (S.4073) in the US Senate and supports its passage.
“This legislation is essential to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to respond to the Uyghur crisis,” said UHRP Executive Director Omer Kanat.
The bill includes provisions supporting increased diplomatic engagement with China to gain access to detention facilities; directs the U.S. Ambassador to the UN to oppose actions preventing consideration of Uyghur issues at the UN; and supports appointment of a special rapporteur or working group to monitor human rights abuses in the Uyghur region.
The bill also would also require Uyghur language training for US Foreign Service Officers, and the inclusion of Uyghur advocates and witnesses in US public diplomacy efforts abroad.
UHRP thanks Senator Rubio (R) for introducing the bill and for his unflagging efforts to counter the Uyghur crisis with bipartisan support. Speaking in support of the bill, he said, “The CCP is carrying out a disgusting campaign of genocide and human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups. The United States cannot be silent in the face of such horrific abuse.”
He added, “I’m proud to introduce legislation to increase awareness and advocacy for Uyghurs, and I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this bill.”
The bill was introduced as companion legislation to a House bill introduced by Representatives Young Kim (R) and Ami Bera (D), the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2021 (H.R.4785).
Read more:
UHRP Welcomes New House Bill Addressing Uyghur Genocide in Key Provisions, January 26, 2022
UHRP Celebrates Historic Uyghur Bill Signed into Law, December 23, 2021
UHRP Supports U.S. Bill to Create Special Coordinator to Address Uyghur Crisis, September 30, 2021
UHRP welcomes Senate legislation to support safe haven for Uyghurs abroad, April 13, 2021
UHRP welcomes House bill to provide Uyghurs safe haven, March 9, 2021
In Historic First, Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act Becomes Law, June 17, 2020