China faces renewed criticism over Uyghur rights and new Ethnic Unity Law

Human rights organizations are raising alarms regarding China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Advocacy groups, including Campaign for Uyghurs, have warned that a newly introduced “Ethnic Unity” law could intensify assimilation efforts by suppressing Uyghur language, culture, and religious identity.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) marked a decade since the sharp escalation of abuses in Xinjiang, describing the ongoing repression as crimes against humanity. HRW reported that despite efforts by Chinese authorities to project an image of normalcy, the region continues to face mass arbitrary detention, mass surveillance, and cultural erasure. The organization also highlighted the impact of state-imposed forced labor on global supply chains, specifically affecting sectors such as automotive, solar panels, apparel, and critical minerals.

Both groups have called for increased international intervention, urging governments to implement targeted sanctions, forced-labor import bans, and greater United Nations scrutiny to address the long-standing violations.