The UTJD Uyghur Youth Workshop 2024 is set to make a significant impact by empowering participants to take action against escalating human rights violations in East Turkistan. This year, participants are divided into three dynamic task forces—tech, research, and activism—working together to address real-world scenarios and prove that, united, we are strong and capable of achieving substantial progress in just one day.
Addressing Religious Freedom Violations in East Turkistan
The situation in East Turkistan has reached a critical juncture, with religious freedom violations intensifying at an alarming rate. Recent reports from the Uyghur Transitional Justice Database (UTJD) reveal a troubling pattern: many mosques have been closed, converted into cafes, restaurants, or shopping malls, and some have even faced demolition. These actions are a direct assault on the Uyghur community’s right to practice their religion freely and openly.
A Collaborative Action Plan
In response, the UTJD is launching an urgent action plan, with all three teams—tech, research, and activism—joining forces to gather, centralize, and showcase evidence of these human rights abuses. The workshop will serve as a critical platform for participants to contribute to this collaborative effort, demonstrating that in just one day, united, we can make a significant difference.
- Research Team: Tasked with collecting new evidence and compiling existing research, this team will analyze data related to religious freedom violations. Their findings will be grounded in international laws and policies to build a compelling case for advocacy.
- Activism Team: Focusing on identifying key organizations and government bodies, this team will draft letters, create content, and strategize outreach efforts. Their mission is to ensure that the collected evidence reaches the right hands and makes an impact.
- Tech Team: Responsible for visualizing and presenting the collected data, this team will develop web pages, graphics, and digital tools to enhance the accessibility and reach of the findings. Their work will be vital in amplifying the message and engaging a global audience.
One Day, Many Actions
This workshop session will bring all teams together to coordinate their efforts effectively, fostering a spirit of collaboration and unity. Participants will brainstorm strategies for evidence collection, data presentation, and advocacy, with a particular focus on engaging the broader international community.
By the end of the day, the goal is to have created a cohesive action plan that can be implemented immediately. Through teamwork and determination, participants will demonstrate that, even in a short time, we can achieve great things when we stand united.
Together, we aim to confront these violations, demand justice, and amplify the voices of those who are affected in East Turkistan. This is not just a workshop—it’s a call to action.
Your participation is vital. Join us as we come together to fight for human rights, freedom, and justice in East Turkistan.
The final work done on workshop can be browsed here: https://www.utjd.org/workshop2024/
