URAP Statement on Starvation Genocide in Ghulja

September 12, 2022

URAP is expressing its deep concern with the escalating situation in Ghulja, where the Chinese government’s COVID policies have placed Uyghurs’ health in grave danger.

In recent weeks, media outlets have reported on the numerous videos posted on Chinese social media by Uyghurs showing strict policies they are being subjected to, including forced medication, detentions and starvation. These conditions, in which Ghulja residents are under de facto house arrest, are being justified by the Chinese government as COVID-related measures under China's “zero-COVID” approach, a policy of extensive lockdowns that has triggered significant food shortages in some places, including Ghulja.

Uyghurs living in Ghulja are speaking out on social media about the government’s lack of assistance as their families starve to death in isolation. Radio Free Asia reported this week that as many as a dozen Uyghurs have died of starvation or lack of access to medicine.

It is essential that we recognize these measures as an attempt to eradicate Uyghurs, and a part of the Uyghur genocide. URAP is calling on the international community to intervene, and the Chinese government to end these COVID-related measures and offer medical assistance and food to Uyghurs suffering in Ghulja. URAP stands with its partners WUC and UHRP in their statements and urges immediate action.

For more information please contact:

Miri Teich

miri@urap.ca

647-982-0903