The Uyghurs are an ethnic minority group in China that has been forced into a cultural assimilation that is reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution. Chinese authorities have placed as many over 1 million Uyghurs into ‘reeducation’ camps since 2017, making it the largest internment of a religious minority since World War II. In response to this concerning treatment, the United States and other governments have characterized China’s actions in Xinjiang as genocide, while the UN human rights office has said that the violations could constitute “crimes against humanity.”

In this episode, we examine the Uyghur crisis by providing some brief historical context and sharing stories from Uyghur refugees. Their voices provide powerful, first-hand accounts of the oppression facing the Uyghurs and bring to life the sobering impacts on their families and communities. We invite you to listen and let their voices inform and inspire you to take action.

This audio documentary is a production of the Uyghur and Tibetan Voices Project. Our mission is to help preserve the Uyghur and Tibetan cultures by raising awareness and inspiring action against their oppression. In support of this mission, we aspire to share stories, told directly by impacted refugees, as we believe their voices must be heard.