The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has voiced worries about China’s increasing “transnational repression” targeting Uyghurs abroad. In a recent briefing, the WUC highlighted a demonstration in Switzerland attended by around 70–80 Uyghurs, emphasizing unity and solidarity. The organization also expressed alarm over the use of Chinese surveillance technology in Germany, particularly cameras from companies associated with surveillance practices in Xinjiang.
Citing reports by German media, the WUC cautioned against the widespread deployment of Chinese surveillance hardware in various public locations, citing concerns about trust in state protection. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Committee of Experts reviewed China’s adherence to conventions on forced labor, noting allegations of state-sponsored forced labor affecting Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet. The Committee urged China to ensure that labor transfers are genuinely voluntary.
During the Women’s Progress Dialogue at the World Forum, WUC Executive Committee Chair Rushan Abbas highlighted issues such as forced sterilizations, forced marriages, and the imprisonment of her sister, Gulshan Abbas. She also discussed how Uyghur forced labor impacts global supply chains. A recent investigation by a German television program revealed intimidation of human rights defenders, including Uyghur activists, even within UN premises.
The WUC emphasized the escalating transnational repression faced by Uyghur activists globally. A report by Human Rights Watch detailed Chinese authorities’ attempts to pressure Uyghur activists in Paris, including coercive tactics to silence activism. The activists recorded and publicized the incidents, shedding light on the challenges faced by Uyghur individuals advocating for their rights.
