Campaign for Uyghurs is thrilled to announce Uerkesh Davlet as the new honorary chairman of the board, a position we are ecstatic that he has accepted. By serving in this capacity he will be a continuing invaluable asset to the cause of Uyghur advocacy, and we thank him.
Uerkesh was one of the leaders of the 1989 student pro-democracy protests, and after surviving the massacre carried out by the Chinese government he has paid a high price for his bravery, having been forbidden to return to China to see his parents since. They, likewise, have also been denied the chance to go abroad. Since leaving China as a man wanted by the Chinese government, he has consistently used his platform to speak out for all those deserving of freedom who suffer under the Chinese regime.
In light of the recent 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, we recognize the unique persecution he has endured personally. The continuing harassment of the brave activists who tell the true history of the brutalities is abhorrent, and we are especially honored by Uerkesh’s willingness in the midst of his demanding schedule to allow CFU as an organization to benefit from his wisdom. We will continue to advocate together for the rights and freedoms of Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other Turkic Muslims oppressed by the Chinese regime. As Uyghurs face an active genocide with the Chinese government waging a war on religion, the world community and in particular Muslim majority countries remain idle due to China’s disinformation and false narratives.
CFU Executive Director Rushan Abbas stated, “I am so humbled and honored by Uerkesh’s willingness to accept this honorary position of chairman, and all that it stands for in representing our unified struggles against the oppression of the Chinese government. I know that his presence on the board will only contribute to our growth in excellence as an organization, but will represent for us an inspiration to continue fighting the good fight.”
