Statement by the International Campaign for Tibet
The International Campaign for Tibet supports the passage of the bipartisan Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 by the Senate and House of Representatives.
The Senate version (S. 178) was introduced by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) while the House version (H.R. 649) was introduced by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Thomas Suozzi (D-NY).
At a time when the Uyghur people and others in Xinjiang (known as East Turkestan to Uyghurs) are witnessing horrific human rights abuses, Congress needs to assert its leadership in pushing back against China’s increasingly oppressive policies and pass this legislation. The Chinese Communist Party and government need to know that they will be held accountable for violating human rights.
In December 2018, Congress passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act (RATA), clearly conveying to the Chinese government its deep concerns regarding China’s treatment of Tibetans. It is now time for Congress to act decisively on the plight of the Uyghur people.
