June 15, 2021
The plight of the Uyghurs models closely the struggle of many oppressed indigenous groups—sociopolitical repression, forced reeducation, displacement, reproductive restriction/ethnic dilution. In efforts to justify the state-consolidating tactic of minority repression, the Chinese government has used international events like 9/11 as a springboard for aggressive surveillance and policing in its Northwest region. Following the pattern of previous colonizing forces—Britain, France, Spain, the United States, etc.—Dr. Roberts says that the Chinese are using a complex of depressionary policies to “dismantle the collective identity of indigenous peoples,” pacify resistance from outside observers, and displace the people who have legitimate claims to this land.
Dr. Sean Roberts discusses the historical and current implications of the genocide of the Uyghur population in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Uyghur population is a Muslim ethnic group in the PRC making up a small percent of the population. Roberts outlines specifically how the War on Terror in the United States prompted an increase in violence against the Uyghur people based on considering them a terrorist organization. The conflict has escalated in the years since 9/11 with the PRC forcing Uyghur people into internment camps and trying to minimize and displace their population. He advises that to take action on this issue the United States needs de-couple this issue from international geopolitical issues and take a stronger response.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
