A Uyghur delegation travelled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to receive the 2026 Graciela Fernández Meijide Award for the Defence of Human Rights, presented by CADAL, on behalf of imprisoned Uyghur writer and intellectual Yalqun Rozi, while also carrying out a series of advocacy engagements with diplomats, civil society, media, and religious organizations.
The delegation included UZDM President Dolkun Isa, World Uyghur Congress (WUC) President Turgunjan Alawdun, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) Executive Director Rushan Abbas, Center for Uyghur Studies Executive Director Abdulhakim Idris, and Uyghur Academy President Dr. Rishat Abbas.
The delegation had the honour of accepting the award on behalf of Yalqun Rozi, whose case represents the broader persecution of Uyghur intellectuals, writers, academics, and cultural figures. During the award ceremony, Dr. Rishat Abbas delivered remarks highlighting Yalqun Rozi’s case and drawing attention to the ongoing persecution and imprisonment of Uyghur writers and intellectuals.
The recognition of Yalqun Rozi sends an important message: Uyghur voices cannot be silenced through imprisonment. By honouring an imprisoned Uyghur intellectual, the award also helps ensure that the international community continues to remember those who remain detained for their work, ideas, and efforts to preserve Uyghur culture and identity.
During the visit, UZDM President Dolkun Isa also spoke at the closing session of CADAL’s conference, “The International Human Rights System Under Pressure: Reform, Resistance or Resignation?” His participation provided an opportunity to bring the Uyghur situation into a broader discussion on the challenges facing the international human rights system and the continued need for accountability.
Alongside these events, the delegation held a series of advocacy meetings aimed at strengthening international awareness and support for the Uyghur cause. At the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, the delegation briefed diplomats from several countries on the current situation in East Turkistan and provided updates on the universal jurisdiction case in Argentina, highlighting ongoing efforts to pursue accountability for human rights violations against Uyghurs.
The delegation also engaged with media outlets, human rights organizations, and representatives of Islamic organizations, discussing the continued persecution of Uyghurs, transnational repression, and the need for stronger international action.
The visit brought together recognition, advocacy, and accountability efforts, providing an important opportunity to amplify Uyghur voices, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and keep the cases of imprisoned Uyghurs on the international agenda.
UZDM extends its sincere gratitude to CADAL for honouring Yalqun Rozi and standing in solidarity with imprisoned Uyghur intellectuals, as well as to all those who met with the delegation and expressed their support for the Uyghur people.