On a recent occasion co-hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), a unique and culturally rich lunch event took place. The event, reminiscent of a traditional Uyghur meshrep, seamlessly blended discussion, music, dance, and poetry. Its purpose was to shed light on the urgent need for support for the Uyghur community and other vulnerable populations facing persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The panel discussion, moderated by Damon Wilson, focused on the concept of cross-movement solidarity and aimed to shift the discourse surrounding Uyghur rights, along with those of Tibetans and Hong Kongers, from merely a human rights issue to one of global security. Each panelist offered valuable insights into this critical topic.
Among the highlights of the event was the showcasing of innovative technology solutions, including the 3D modeling of internment camps in virtual reality (VR) by the Uyghur Transitional Justice Database (UTJD). This visual mapping project provided a compelling and immersive perspective on the dire situation faced by the Uyghur community.
The presence of a camp survivor who shared firsthand testimony added a deeply personal dimension to the discussion, underscoring the urgent need for assistance for Uyghurs and other at-risk communities before they are erased from the map by the CCP.
Overall, UTJD’s participation in this event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing human rights violations faced by the Uyghur population and the importance of solidarity among diverse movements in advocating for justice and dignity for all oppressed communities. As the global community continues to grapple with these pressing issues, events like these provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and collective action toward positive change.
The event was open for all interested parties who came to attend Munich Security Conference in Germany.
