UHRP Welcomes Taiwan’s Resolution on Atrocities Against Uyghurs

January 3, 2023 | 11:30 AM EST
For Immediate Release
Contact: Omer Kanat +1 (202) 819-0598, Peter Irwin +1 (646) 906-7722 

The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) welcomes the resolution condemning the atrocities against Uyghurs adopted by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The cross-party resolution is the first motion passed in Asia to recognize that Chinese government human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic people constitute genocide. The resolution, adopted on December 27, urges the government to join other democracies in condemning and upholding sanctions against the Chinese regime.

“It’s brilliant to see Taiwan showing leadership on democracy and freedom, as the first parliament in Asia to directly condemn the atrocities against Uyghurs,” said Ms. Zubayra Shamseden, UHRP Outreach Coordinator.

“Uyghurs are extremely grateful for the support of Taiwan’s elected representatives. The resolution gives a much-needed message of solidarity with Uyghurs as we turn the page to the new year,” said Mr. Omer Kanat, UHRP Executive Director. “We warmly thank Taiwan Parliamentary Human Rights Commission Chairman Wang Ting-Yu, Vice Chair Fan Yun, and Secretary-General Wu’er Kaixi for their efforts on the resolution.”

Taiwan is the first country in Asia and the 11th parliament globally to recognize the atrocities against Uyghurs as international crimes, following parliamentary motions adopted in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the European Parliament, and the U.S.

Read more:

UHRP Welcomes European Parliament Resolution, Urges EU to Bring Uyghur Atrocities to International Accountability Mechanisms, June 9, 2022

UHRP Commends Further International Recognition of the Uyghur Genocide, Urges Action, January 20, 2022

Independent Uyghur Tribunal Concludes the PRC is Committing Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Against Uyghurs, December 9, 2021

U.S. Congress Condemns Uyghur Genocide, Gives Hope to Uyghurs Around the World, December 8, 2021

UHRP encourages UN, other governments to follow up on Canada’s historic Uyghur genocide vote, February 22, 2021

Authoritative legal opinion concludes that treatment of Uyghurs amounts to crimes against humanity and genocide, February 8, 2021

UHRP urges worldwide action in the wake of genocide finding, January 19, 2021

50 Genocide prevention organizations and experts call for UN Commission of Inquiry on crimes against humanity and genocide against Uyghurs, January 14, 2021