UTJD’s Commitment to Technology and Research in 2024 resulted in achieving several meaningful milestones this year. UTJD remains focused on growing its capacity, enhancing its efforts, and continuing to make impactful contributions to addressing the Uyghur plight in the years ahead.
Since its establishment, UTJD has embraced cloud technology, research and remains dedicated to exploring innovative solutions in the digital realm. Building on the expertise demonstrated during our workshops, we plan to further leverage these advancements in the coming years to tackle challenges effectively.
While the Uyghur crisis continues, it is deeply troubling that global attention has shifted away, allowing this silent genocide to persist unnoticed by many. UTJD remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for justice.
3D Virtual Reality Model of Chinese Concentration Camps
UTJD’s VR model project stood out in 2024 for its portability and the profound impact it delivers through interactive experiences. This innovative project was showcased across the globe in several countries and events. A documentary that features UTJD, “All Static and Noise“, was screened in film festivals, where the UTJD showcased it VR model in those events such as at the Berkshire Film Festival, the HUMAN Festival. In UTJD’s May trip to the US, the VR model was presented at event in cooperation with C4ADS in addition to an event at the Capitol Hill co-organized by the Uyghur Academy, United States Institute of Peace, Campaign for Uyghurs, and the Center for Uyghur Studies and UTJD. Lastly the VR was presented to Uyghur community in Virginia and neighbouring cities in cooperation with Uyghur American Association The VR model was also featured at the University of Oslo’s Scholars at Risk #FreeRahile campaign launch at the Nobel Peace Center in Norway, and at the World Movement for Democracy in South Africa. Lastly the VR model been invited to China Forum as an exhibition invited by Victims of Communism
UTJD Book: Remolding the Uyghurs to Fit the Han-ethnocentric Mold: Mass Internment and “Reeducation” being the Chinese Regime’s Latest Tactics
After publishing our first book “100 Camp Testimonies” in 2022, our second book was published in May 2024. This new book aims to contribute, in the context of (settler) colonialism as well as China’s nation-building, to understanding how the Chinese regime’s mass internment is meant to speed up the remolding process and impose the homogeneous national identity known as Zhonghua Minzu (the Chinese race) on all Turkic population in East Turkistan. Our own research on the camp system presents the spatiotemporal changes of the identified various types of internment sites as well as the statistical data on how many of them were suspected of using forced labor.
Expanding UTJD’s Intern Team
UTJD began in 2017 as a project under the Norwegian Uyghur Committee with just a small team. By 2024, it had grown to include 14 dedicated interns and volunteers who plays vital role in executing key projects. To engage further with Uyghur youth, UTJD organized its first workshop in 2024, with plans to hold another one next year. UTJD team worked with dedication in organizing events, revitalizing social media with engaging and fresh content, and contributing to the planning of new initiatives. UTJD is currently developing a structured system for recruiting and training new interns, which will be launched and shared in early 2025.
UTJD’s Reports and its Events in 2024
As a research-driven advocacy organization, UTJD consistently publishes reports and analysis pieces. One of its major projects in 2024 was the release of the report “Uyghur Forced Labor in the Norwegian Solar Panel Industry.” This comprehensive report analyzed 20 solar companies, conducting in-depth research to uncover potential links to suppliers in East Turkistan and testing Norway’s Transparency Act, which requires corporations to provide transparent responses to public inquiries regarding the ethical sourcing of their products. The report was launched during an engaging debate panel “Balancing Green Growth and Human Rights: The Forced Labor Question” accompanied by the unveiling of a dedicated website. Following the launch, UTJD held follow-up meetings with some of the companies mentioned in the report, emphasizing that the publication of this study is just the beginning of continued efforts in this critical subject. As research has always been a key priority for us. We are proud to support this effort by offering a fellowship to a researcher in collaboration with the Open Technology Fund.
Expanding UTJD work to reach Central Asian countries
UTJD announced this year the initiation of the translation process of our report “The Persecution of Uyghurs in East Turkistan” into Russian. This initiative aims to expand readership in Russian-speaking countries in Central Asia. Not only our report and books are being translated by a dedicated team, but our social media presence is starting to include Russian content as well.
While 2024 has marked significant strides in UTJD’s efforts to address the ongoing Uyghur Crisis, it is clear that much more remains to be done. The challenges ahead demand continued dedication, collaboration, and advocacy to ensure justice and lasting change. Together, we must persevere in turning awareness into meaningful action.
