On Eid-ul-Adha, demand for action on the plight of Uighur and Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang

These appeals highlight the dire human rights situation in the region and urge the international community to stand up against ongoing abuses under Chinese rule.

In a post on X, the East Turkistan government-in-exile wished X well and drew attention to the plight of the Uighur and Turkic Muslim communities.

The message reads, “On this holy #EidAlAdha, we reflect on faith and perseverance. We urge the global #Muslim community to stand with the #Uyghur/Turkic Muslims of occupied #EastTurkistan who are facing genocide and being deprived of their religion. Unite in prayer and action for their dignity and freedom.”

Similarly, the East Turkistan National Movement also extended greetings on Eid al-Adha and urged the global community to remember the people who suffered under Chinese occupation.

“As you gather with loved ones to celebrate this holy holiday, please remember and pray for the Muslims in occupied #EastTurkistan who are facing colonization & genocide under Chinese occupation,” the organization posted.

#happy Eid To all Muslims on this holy day #Eid al-AdhaWe value trust and flexibility. We are a global leader in #Muslim Standing with the community #Uighur/Occupation of Ottoman Muslims #EastTurkestanThose who face genocide and are deprived of their faith. Unite in prayer and action… pic.twitter.com/w9QV65Vlmb

— East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) (@ETExileGov) June 16, 2024

“Stand with us in demanding an end to China’s continued oppression and join us in our calls for justice, liberation, and restoration of the dignity, faith, and freedom of the people of East Turkistan,” he said, calling for collective action.

The East Turkistan National Movement has been at the forefront of efforts to end the “ongoing Uyghur genocide”, promote democracy, political and human rights, and restore East Turkistan's independence and autonomy.

Their messages on this important Islamic holiday aim to mobilize support from the global Muslim community and beyond, and to emphasize the urgent need for international intervention.

The situation in East Turkistan, officially known to China as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, has been a serious human rights issue.

Reports of mass detention, forced labour, and tight restrictions on religious practices have been widely condemned by human rights organisations and governments worldwide.

Despite these efforts, the Chinese government has consistently denied allegations of genocide and human rights abuses and insists that its actions in the region are aimed at combating extremism and promoting economic development.

Eid al-Adha messages from the East Turkistan Government-in-Exile and the East Turkistan National Movement offer reminders of the struggles faced by Uighur and Turkic Muslims.

Celebrating this solemn occasion, these organizations urge the international community to unite in prayer and action to support their efforts for justice, freedom and the preservation of their cultural and religious heritage.