The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has intensified its push for accountability regarding China's treatment of Uyghurs, issuing a weekly brief that highlights concerns over repression, surveillance, and Beijing's growing influence abroad. The brief comes amid heightened international scrutiny of China's policies toward ethnic minorities.
Third International Uyghur Forum Held in Berlin
The Third International Uyghur Forum (IUF) took place in Berlin, Germany, from June 11 to 13, under the theme "Ten Years Since the Camps: From Recognition to Accountability - What's Next?" Organized by the World Uyghur Congress and the Uyghur Center for Democracy and Human Rights, the event drew more than 200 participants from 25 countries, including over 80 speakers. The three-day forum addressed issues affecting Uyghurs and other Turkic communities, including allegations of transnational repression, forced labor, cultural assimilation, and the psychological impact of activism. Participants also discussed the role of international institutions in addressing human rights concerns and heard testimony from a former Chinese official. The forum concluded with the adoption of the Berlin Declaration, which reaffirms global efforts to pursue accountability and defend Uyghur rights.
US Senate Advances Uyghur Policy Act
In Washington, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the Uyghur Policy Act of 2026 on June 17. The legislation, introduced by Senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley, aims to strengthen US engagement on Uyghur human rights issues and counter what advocates describe as Beijing's efforts to suppress Uyghur voices abroad. The proposed law calls on the US State Department to prioritize Uyghur rights in its foreign policy agenda, support political prisoners, promote cultural preservation, expand diplomatic outreach to Muslim-majority countries, and enhance advocacy within international institutions. The bill must still pass both chambers of Congress before becoming law.
UN Human Rights Council Raises Concerns
At the international level, concerns were also raised during the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that China's recently adopted Ethnic Unity Law could further restrict the rights of ethnic minorities, including Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians. The law, which Beijing says promotes national unity, has been criticized by human rights advocates for potentially criminalizing expressions of ethnic identity.
According to the WUC, the intensified advocacy reflects a growing recognition of the need for accountability. "The Berlin Declaration marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to ensure that the rights of Uyghurs are protected and that those responsible for abuses are held accountable," a WUC spokesperson said. The forum's organizers plan to continue building international support for Uyghur rights through diplomatic channels and public awareness campaigns.
