The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) urgently calls on the U.S. Senate to pass the Uyghur Policy Act (S. 1252) without delay.

"This crucial legislation must align with the House version (H.R. 2766) introduced by Representative Young Kim and passed on February 15, 2024, to establish a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues within the State Department," ETGE said in a statement.

The East Turkistani people have been advocating for such a position since 1997, seeking parity with Tibet in U.S. policy.

On February 20, 2024, the ETGE, leading a coalition of 60 East Turkistani and Uyghur organizations from across the diaspora, submitted a joint letter to Congress urging it to recognize East Turkistan as an occupied country enduring Chinese colonization and calling for the swift passage of the Uyghur Policy Act.

“We urge the U.S. Senate to act swiftly and decisively. The Uyghur Policy Act is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for millions suffering under China’s brutal occupation in East Turkistan,” stated Salih Hudayar, ETGE Minister for Foreign Affairs and Security.

The recent passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the U.S. Senate has brought hope to both Tibetans and East Turkistanis. However, there remains a clear inconsistency in U.S. policy between its stance on East Turkistan and Tibet.

In addition to the passage of the Uyghur Policy Act, the ETGE calls on Congress to swiftly introduce and pass a Resolve East Turkistan Act, similar to the Resolve Tibet Act. Such legislation would reinforce the U.S. commitment to addressing the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in East Turkistan and support the East Turkistani people’s pursuit of justice and external self-determination.

The ETGE is also calling on the U.S. government to counter disinformation about East Turkistan propagated by the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. This includes correcting historical narratives and using the native name East Turkistan instead of the Chinese colonial term “Xinjiang (New Territory or Colony)”.

The urgency of addressing the root cause of the ongoing genocide in East Turkistan cannot be overstated. Chinese colonization and occupation are at the heart of this crisis. The ETGE urges Congress to introduce and adopt a resolution recognizing East Turkistan’s status as an occupied country, similar to U.S. policy regarding Tibet.

“The U.S. Congress has a historic opportunity to lead the international community in standing up for justice, human rights, and self-determination. By passing the Uyghur Policy Act and recognizing East Turkistan’s plight, they can help end the ongoing genocide and support our quest for freedom and self-determination in line with the existing U.S. policies like the Captive Nations Law,” said Dr. Mamtimin Ala, President of the East Turkistan Government in Exile.

The East Turkistan Government in Exile remains committed to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the East Turkistani people and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their plight addressed on the global stage.