WUC Urges Finland to Champion Uyghur Rights During China Visit

The World Uyghur Congress calls on Finland to address Uyghur genocide in upcoming talks with China. Finnish leaders will visit, meeting President Xi Jinping. Emphasis on human rights and forced labor discussions, adhering to EU regulations, amid warnings of economic pressures from China.

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has appealed to the Finnish leadership to confront China over the alleged Uyghur genocide during their upcoming visit to Beijing from October 28 to 31. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife are scheduled to converse with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on bilateral issues, as per a WUC press release.

The exiled Uyghur organizations urge Finland to prioritize Uyghur human rights discussions, particularly forced labor concerns, adhering to the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and Forced Labour Regulation. The WUC highlights China's rejection of 30 Universal Periodic Review recommendations, emphasizing the significance for Finland to uphold its own UPR commitments.

Underlining the importance of protecting ethnic and religious minority rights, including those of Uyghurs, the WUC cites the observations of UN bodies. Finland's request for the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion to visit China underscores its historical advocacy against human rights violations, a stance the WUC urges Finland to maintain despite economic pressures from China.

(With inputs from agencies.)