Brussels, October 1, 2025 – On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the occupation of East Turkistan, a significant event was held at the European Parliament, organized in collaboration with Uyghur organizations and European parliamentarians. The Uyghur Center for Democracy and Human Rights (UZDM) actively participated in this important commemoration.
The aim of the event was to draw attention to the ongoing oppression and systematic human rights violations against the Uyghur people, which have continued since the violent incorporation of East Turkistan into the People's Republic of China. Representatives of various human rights organizations, members of the European Parliament, and members of the Uyghur diaspora commemorated the victims of repression, cultural eradication, and mass internment.
Dolkun Isa, Präsident des UZDM und ehemaliger Vorsitzender des Weltuigurischen Kongresses, betonte in seiner Rede:
“For 70 years, the Uyghurs have been fighting for freedom, justice, and the right to live in dignity. This event shows that the voice of our people is being heard in the heart of Europe.”
In addition to Dolkun Isa, Zumretay Arkin, Vice President of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), Erkin Zunun, Vice Chairman of the WUC Executive Committee and Vice President of the UZDM, as well as other representatives of the Uyghur community also participated.
The participants called on the European Union to clearly condemn the ongoing repression in East Turkistan and to take concrete political measures against those responsible in China.
The event at the European Parliament was marked by remembrance and hope—a symbol of resistance against seven decades of oppression and a call for international solidarity with the Uyghur people.