ICC Urged to Investigate Chinese Government’s Oppression of Uyghur and Turkic Peoples

Speaking at the 22nd Assembly of States Parties (ASP) at the United Nations (UN) in New York, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of international legal institutions, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), in promoting peace and security worldwide. He stressed the need for these institutions to tackle multiple challenges simultaneously. In line with this, the ICC is urged to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of the Chinese government‘s severe repression of Uyghur and Turkic peoples as a grave international crime.

The legal team representing the East Turkistan Government in Exile and Uyghur and Turkic victims has submitted multiple complaints to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, providing significant evidence of the Chinese government’s systematic persecution. These crimes have extended beyond China’s borders, with neighboring countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan experiencing forced deportations and population reduction among Uyghur communities.

Highlighting the precedence set by the ICC in investigating cross-border crimes, as seen in the case of Myanmar and Bangladesh, the legal team asserts that the ICC has the jurisdiction to initiate an investigation into the Chinese government’s actions. The evidence gathered includes firsthand testimonies, such as that of Turdakun, who suffered torture and witnessed the intensive campaign targeting Uyghurs abroad.

During the ASP, Tajikistan, an ICC Member State, will be present alongside other States Parties. This gathering offers an opportunity to address the ongoing plight of the Uyghur and Turkic peoples. The ICC’s actions and pursuit of justice are essential in providing a lifeline for these vulnerable communities.