China's Ethnic Unity Law Condemned by Uyghur Groups

Over 50 Uyghur civil‑society organisations, led by the World Uyghur Congress, issued a joint statement condemning China’s Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress, which entered into force on 1 July 2026. The groups say the law institutionalises “forced assimilation” by mandating Mandarin as the primary language of education, requiring the “sinicisation” of religion, and obliging children to be taught loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.

The statement also warns that Article 63 gives Chinese authorities extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute individuals and organisations abroad that “undermine ethnic unity and progress,” a provision the groups describe as formalising trans‑national repression of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Mongolians and other non‑Han peoples. They called on the international community, including the United Nations and foreign governments, to act to repeal the legislation and protect the rights of minorities.