East Turkistan Association of Canada
Remembering the Urumqi Tragedy: A Call for Justice and Accountability on the Anniversary of the COVID Lockdown Fire.
Toronto, Canada — This Sunday marks the solemn anniversary of a tragic event that claimed the lives of over 44 Uyghur individuals during the COVID-19 lockdown in Urumqi, East Turkistan. The fire, which occurred on November 24, 2022 serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and systemic oppression faced by the Uyghur people under the Chinese government’s policies.
As we reflect on this devastating loss, we honor the memory of those who perished in the fire, many of whom were unable to escape due to lockdown restrictions and inadequate emergency response measures. Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the fire was exacerbated by a lack of access to emergency services, highlighting the dire consequences of the harsh measures imposed on the Uyghur community.
The international community has increasingly recognized the plight of the Uyghurs, who are subjected to widespread surveillance, arbitrary detentions, forced labor, and cultural erasure. The tragic events of that fateful day underscore the urgent need for global action and solidarity in the face of what many experts and organizations have described as a campaign of ethnic genocide.
We remember those who lost their lives in the Urumqi fire, and we stand in solidarity with their families and the entire Uyghur brothers and sisters back home. This tragedy is not just a reminder of the dangers of oppressive governance but also a call to action for all of us to demand accountability and justice for the Uyghurs.
In the wake of the Urumqi fire, calls for an independent international investigation have intensified. Advocates are urging world leaders to address the human rights abuses occurring in East Turkistan and to hold the Chinese government accountable for its actions. The ongoing reports of forced labor, mass incarceration, and cultural repression must be met with a robust international response.
As we commemorate this anniversary, we encourage individuals, organizations, and governments to raise awareness about the plight of the Uyghur people.
Action Steps:
– Raise Awareness: Share information about the Uyghur crisis on social media and within your communities.
– Advocate for Policy Changes: Contact your representatives to urge them to take a stand against human rights violations in East Turkistan.
– Support Uyghur Organizations: Contribute to organizations working to support Uyghur rights and provide assistance to affected families.
Today, we remember not just the victims of the Urumqi fire but all those who continue to suffer under oppressive regimes. Together, we can work towards a future where justice prevails, and the rights of every individual are respected and protected.
For more information, please contact:
Shawket Imam
President
East Turkistan Association of Canada
647-300-2211
