Updates on UHRP Ethics Investigation, Policies and Commitments

For immediate release
June 27, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. EDT
Contact: Omer Kanat (202) 790-1795, Peter Irwin (646) 906-7722

The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) provides the following additional information about its handling of allegations of misconduct and the steps we are taking going forward to ensure UHRP is a safe and welcoming workplace for all. UHRP reiterates it has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct or harassment and is committed to high ethical standards. We are firmly committed to ensuring a welcoming environment for women and all activists in the movement for Uyghur human rights.

UHRP’s steps going forward

UHRP has designated a joint board-staff committee to set up a new independent investigation of ethical and misconduct concerns. The new process will receive and investigate allegations individuals bring forward regarding our organization, including its Board, management, staff, volunteers, consultants, and contractors. We aim for this new investigation to provide a high level of assurance that anyone with misconduct allegations or ethics concerns may report them safely. This process is designed to carry out appropriate remediation and accountability for harms in a timely manner.

With the help of our partners, UHRP has also designated a joint board-staff committee to review and identify shortcomings in our existing ethics and complaints policy with the goal of developing new and improved processes for individuals to safely raise concerns, to ensure complaints are acted upon expeditiously, and to establish accountability regarding UHRP’s standards.

Setting up new processes in accordance with best practices is an intensive process, and we are devoting substantial time and resources to ensure that it is done properly. We thank our partners and all those who have shared their concerns with us and affirm that harassment, discrimination, misconduct or hostility in the workplace or in the human rights space will not be tolerated.