Bahtiyar Ømer
Executive Director
Has a bachelor’s degree in Law. Worked as a Lawyer and Psychological Advisor in Urumchi before settling in Norway.
He served as chairman of the Norwegian Uyghur Committee, and is one of the founders of the Uyghur Transitional Justice Database.
Adiljan Abdurihim
Coordinator, Data Technician
Has a bachelor’s degree in Software Development and a Master’s degree in Applied Computer Science.
Served as the Secretary of the Norwegian Uyghur Committee. And is one of the founders of the Uyghur Transitional Justice Database.
Erkin Kainat
Senior Researcher
Erkin is a senior researcher at the Uyghur Transitional Justice Database. He leads original research projects, collaborating across the team to write research proposals, reports, and books.
Efran A. Uyghur
Satellite Imagery Analyst * (currently not working since July 1, 2024)
Conducts satellite observations of internment facilities and spatio-temporal analyses of changes in those internment sites. His work focuses on creating detailed maps of East Turkistan, visually representing changes over time to aid in the monitoring and interpretation of developments.
Kawsar Omar
Research Assistant, Communication
A recent graduate with a BA in Political Sciences and International Relations. She is the point for organizational contact and provides assistance with testimony collection, data registration & research.
UTJD Teams
3D Modeling Team
Led by Bahtiyar Omer, this team of 3 members is responsible for building detailed 3D models of internment camps in Virtual Reality (VR). In the future, they aim to create models of historical mosques, sacred tombs, and other cultural relics that have been destroyed or damaged. The ultimate goal is to build a virtual interactive museum that preserves the heritage and history of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples.
Tech Team
Coordinated by Adiljan, this 4-member team supports the technological needs of UTJD, ensuring smooth operations and working on advanced tech solutions like VR integration and database management. They are instrumental in developing digital platforms that enhance our documentation efforts.
Analyst/Research Team
Managed by Kawsar, this team of 6 researchers focuses on collecting, analyzing, and compiling data related to the human rights abuses in East Turkistan. They conduct in-depth research, create reports, and provide evidence for advocacy efforts, including policy recommendations and government submissions.
Activism Team
Co-led by Shukur and Pezilet, this 4-member activism team plays a vital role in raising awareness about the plight of Uyghurs. They organize campaigns, coordinate with partners, and manage outreach initiatives to keep global attention on the ongoing crisis in East Turkistan.
Social Media and Russian Language Content Team
Co-led by Dilshat and Sabina. This team is responsible for developing UTJD’s social media content and news. The team also ensures the accessibility of our updates and analysis for Russian-speaking users by adapting content and maximizing audience engagement.
The UTJD is made up of 5 teams working with 24 members, including core team members, interns, and volunteers. Interested in learning about our interns, or exploring internship and volunteer opportunities at the UTJD? Click here to read more and get involved.
* for safety and security reasons many people remain anonymous (read: Hidden heroes)