Durr Resolution Supports Oppressed Ethnic Minority Group in China

Millions of Muslim Uyghurs are Genocide Targets in Western Chinese Territory

State Senator Edward Durr is introducing a legislative resolution condemning China’s oppressive treatment of millions of minority Uyghurs in the nation’s northwest region.

“The public needs to know what is happening on the other side of the globe, and the atrocities being leveled against a group of human beings who have done nothing wrong,” said Durr (R-3). “The American people have always had a soft spot for the underdog, and the Uyghurs are certainly the underdogs in China.

“A constituent recently brought the situation to my attention, and I think most of us would be shocked if we knew what is being done to these peaceful people at the hands of one of the most powerful governments on the planet.”

The Uyghurs are one of more than 50 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China. And estimated 12 million Uyghurs, mostly Muslim, reside in Xinjiang, an autonomous desert area in western China that produces about 20 percent of the world’s cotton.

“The Uyghurs are hard-working people, and they live a peaceful existence,” Durr said. “But Chinese leadership issued an order in 2017 stating that all religions in the country must be oriented in China and since then, there have been increasing reports of mistreatment of Uyghurs.

“Evidence, including satellite imagery, suggests China is holding more than a million Uyghurs in what could be the world’s largest concentration camp,” Durr noted.”

Durr’s resolution, which is currently being drafted and would be introduced during a Senate quorum in early February, will condemn China’s treatment of the Uyghurs and raise awareness about the practice.

“This modern-day genocide cannot be tolerated. Hopefully, passing this resolution in New Jersey will help trigger a groundswell of international pressure against Chinese oppression,” Durr continued.