Urgent Action Needed: Protecting Human Rights Organizations and the Uyghur Crisis
Dear Supporters:
International Support for Uyghurs (ISU) brings to your attention a critical development in the human rights landscape that demands immediate action.
Closure of Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies
Concordia University has permanently closed the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (MIGS), citing budgetary constraints1. This closure represents a significant loss for human rights advocacy in Canada, as MIGS was a leading think tank developing policies to protect human rights.
Threats to Human Rights Organizations
The closure of MIGS highlights a concerning trend of challenges faced by human rights organizations, including ISU. We are increasingly confronted with threats, particularly from foreign actors attempting to silence advocacy for persecuted groups like the Uyghurs.
Recent Developments in the Uyghur Crisis
Ongoing Human Rights Violations: Despite international condemnation, reports of mass internment, forced labor, and cultural suppression in East Turkistan continue.
ISU's Advocacy Work
Organizing peaceful protests and awareness campaigns across Canada
Conducting research on human rights violations in East Turkistan
Empowering the East Turkistan diaspora through community support
Policy Recommendations
Establish a dedicated fund to protect and support human rights organizations facing external threats
Strengthen legislation to counter foreign interference in Canadian civil society
Increase diplomatic pressure on China regarding the Uyghur crisis
Expand import restrictions on goods potentially produced with Uyghur forced labor
Call to Action
We urge you to support legislation that protects human rights organizations and addresses the Uyghur crisis. Your voice is crucial in safeguarding Canada's role as a global human rights leader.
Source:
https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/concordia-closes-institute-for-genocide-human-rights-studies-1.7097601
