The East Turkistan National Movement, a Washington-based NGO, is calling for people to commemorate the 2014 Yarkand Massacre, where thousands of Uyghurs were killed by Chinese government forces. This incident marked the beginning of what the organization terms as the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs.
The organization has scheduled an event on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, urging collective action to stop China’s efforts in East Turkistan, describing them as acts of colonization, genocide, and occupation. The rally will be held in front of the White House.
In its official announcement on X, the East Turkistan National Movement emphasized the need for the US government to take meaningful action against China’s actions in East Turkistan. They are advocating for the appointment of a Special Coordinator for East Turkistani/Uyghur Issues and the recognition of East Turkistan as an occupied country, similar to Tibet.
The 2014 Yarkand Massacre refers to a violent crackdown by Chinese security forces on Uyghur protesters in Yarkand County, Xinjiang. While the Chinese government labeled it a counter-terrorism operation, human rights organizations argue it was a massacre involving excessive force against peaceful protesters.
Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority in Xinjiang, reportedly face severe human rights abuses. Various reports indicate mass arbitrary detention in re-education camps, forced labor, and cultural assimilation efforts, including the imposition of Mandarin and separation of children from families.
