Speech of the founder of the political opposition Erkin O’zbekiston (Free Uzbekistan) Movement Mr. Burhanov at the 9th Session of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference – 2024

Thank you, Mr. Moderator.

Everyone knows that in 1949 the Soviet Union transferred the sovereign republic of East Turkestan to China.

Since Xi Jinping came to power, the life of Muslims living in the territories of East Turkestan has changed very much, it has deteriorated. A violent Chineseization is going on, the holy texts are being altered. The Koran has been rewritten. They do everything so that the Muslims of East Turkestan are deprived of their national and religious identity.

Religious and cultural institutions of Muslims in East Turkestan are being turned into entertainment venues with music and debauchery.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing global events in the world, the attention of the international community has become less active with regard to the disenfranchised citizens of East Turkestan.

Unfortunately, most of the states that call themselves Muslim, including Middle Eastern and Central Asian states, completely ignore such a problem as the protection of the Muslims of East Turkestan. This is because the Chinese authorities are pursuing an aggressive policy in Central Asia and the Middle East.

I call on the world community and all of you to strengthen media coverage of the situation with the disenfranchisement of the citizens of East Turkestan.

Along with this statement, I would like to comment on the numerous questions received from participants of this session: ‘How come you are always the first to speak?’. Behind this is the suspicion that I am given exclusive conditions here. Despite my disability, I participate in this event on equal terms, just as the rest of you.

Well, those who come first are often the best.

Thank you for your attention.