The hypothesis of the camps being dismantled - starting in late 2018 (foreignpolicy.com/2019/01/18/det…) - is being more and more supported by testimony data. There are almost no reports of people being "camped" in 2019, and many/most w/ camped relatives now report them as released. (1/8)
This does not mean that the crisis in Xinjiang is over, or even that there is improvement, but it does mean that the dialogue and focal points need to be adapted. I.e., "1.5-3 million in camps!" is likely wrong now. We propose 5 key victim types and actions to take. (2/8)
Type 1: Sentenced
Very many (possibly ~500000) have received long prison sentences (livingotherwise.com/2019/10/05/fro…). Relatives of these should be demanding to see their verdicts. (3/8)
Very many (possibly ~500000) have received long prison sentences (livingotherwise.com/2019/10/05/fro…). Relatives of these should be demanding to see their verdicts. (3/8)
Type 2: Forced labor
Many (> 100000s) have been transferred to some sort of forced labor or job placement (osf.io/8tsk2/download). Relatives of these should be demanding to see their work contracts. Supply chains should be investigated (thediplomat.com/2019/11/tracki…) (4/8)
Many (> 100000s) have been transferred to some sort of forced labor or job placement (osf.io/8tsk2/download). Relatives of these should be demanding to see their work contracts. Supply chains should be investigated (thediplomat.com/2019/11/tracki…) (4/8)
Type 3: "Released"
Many are at home, but cannot communicate with relatives abroad, live under strict surveillance, and have health/trauma issues that are unlikely to be addressed (eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-aft…). Relatives should demand regular contact and return of passports. (5/8)
Many are at home, but cannot communicate with relatives abroad, live under strict surveillance, and have health/trauma issues that are unlikely to be addressed (eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-aft…). Relatives should demand regular contact and return of passports. (5/8)
Type 4: Still missing
Some victims, like Rahile Dawut (shahit.biz/eng/viewentry.…) or Gulgine Tashmemet (shahit.biz/eng/viewentry.…), are STILL missing - with no news for years. Relatives and others should fiercely demand proof that these people are still alive. (6/8)
Some victims, like Rahile Dawut (shahit.biz/eng/viewentry.…) or Gulgine Tashmemet (shahit.biz/eng/viewentry.…), are STILL missing - with no news for years. Relatives and others should fiercely demand proof that these people are still alive. (6/8)
Type 5: Dead
Some have already died (shahit.biz/exportpdf.php?…). Relatives should demand a clear explanation of why/how, demand compensation, and publicize these cases through all possible channels. (7/8)
Some have already died (shahit.biz/exportpdf.php?…). Relatives should demand a clear explanation of why/how, demand compensation, and publicize these cases through all possible channels. (7/8)
These things are just the bare minimum of what should be demanded of the Chinese authorities. One could - and probably should - do and demand more. (8/8)
