US Political Platforms Criticized for Ignoring Uyghur Genocide in Xinjiang

Human rights advocates criticize both Democratic and Republican platforms for the 2024 US elections for omitting the Uyghur genocide in Xinjiang, China. Salih Hudayar from the East Turkistan Government in Exile called this a 'grave disservice,' urging meaningful actions against China's brutal regime.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in China's Xinjiang province has drawn global ire as both Democratic and Republican platforms for the 2024 US elections fail to address the Uyghur genocide. Salih Hudayar, Foreign Affairs & Security Minister of the East Turkistan Government in Exile and leader of the East Turkistan National Movement, expressed dismay over the omission, calling it a 'grave disservice to those suffering under China's brutal genocidal regime.'

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Hudayar emphasized the need to move beyond mere recognition of the genocide. 'Acknowledging genocide is not enough; it demands decisive action,' he asserted. Hudayar urged both parties to commit to meaningful actions to end the atrocities and support the Uyghur people's right to self-determination and freedom.

The Uyghur genocide, recognized by both Trump and Biden administrations, involves the systematic persecution of Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Reports from various human rights organizations have documented abuses such as mass detentions, forced labor, forced sterilizations, and the destruction of Uyghur cultural heritage.

Despite international condemnation and the US government's recognition of the genocide, the lack of concrete actions in recent years has raised concerns. The omission of this crisis from 2024's major US political party platforms signals a troubling shift in priorities, according to Hudayar.

'Both parties have a moral duty to lead the global fight against genocide and uphold the principles of human rights and freedom,' Hudayar stated. He called on the US to adopt a stronger stance against China's actions in Xinjiang and support East Turkistan's quest for freedom.

As the world watches the US election unfold, the absence of firm commitments on addressing the Uyghur genocide in party platforms has sparked renewed debate on the country's role in global human rights advocacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)