Reports
Dossier: Uyghur Women in China’s Genocide
Rukiye Turdush, Uyghur Research Institute
Magnus Fiskesjö, Cornell University
Abstract
In genocide, both women and men suffer. However, their suffering has always been different; with men mostly subjected to torture and killings, and women mostly subjected to torture and mutilation. These differences stem primarily from the perpetrators’ ideology and intention to exterminate the targeted people. Many patriarchal societies link men with blood lineage and the group’s continuation, while women embody the group’s reproductivity and dignity. In the ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in East Turkistan, the ideology of Chinese colonialism is a root cause. It motivates the targeting of women as the means through which to destroy the reproductivity and the dignity of the people as a whole. It is a common misunderstanding to associate genocide with only mass killings, and the current lack of evidence for massacres has led some to prematurely conclude there is no genocide. But this overlooks the targeting of women, which is also a prominent part of the definition of genocide laid out in the Genocide Convention. State policy in China intentionally targets Uyghur and other Turkic women in multiple ways. This dossier is focused on analyzing China’s targeted policies against Uyghur women and their “punishment,” as rooted in part in ancient Chinese legalist philosophy. In doing so, this dossier contributes toward further exposing Chinese colonialism and the genocidal intent now in evidence.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5038/1911-9933.15.1.1834
METHODOLOGY
1.This report’s factual findings are based on the Testimonials of Hundreds of Uyghur civilians. Testimonials are defined as a sufficient and reliable body of primary information consistent with first hand and second hand witness reports, which would allow an ordinarily prudent person to reasonably conclude that an incident or pattern of conduct occurred.
2. A vast amount of primary information was collected. The information is comprised of 135 testimonials from direct and indirect victims, both specifically and randomly selected. In order to ascertain the credibility and reliability of the information, it was corroborated by secondary information including from China’s state media, expert interviews and information distributed in social media.
3. Information was collected in Turkey, where the majority of Uyghur refugees have fled since 2015 when the Chinese government intensified its persecution of Uyghurs. Information was also collected online and on the phone with those from the Uyghur and Kazak diaspora worldwide.
The report strictly adheres to the principles of independence, impartiality and objectivity. It sought consent from sources on the use of information, ensuring confidentiality as appropriate. Specific attention was paid to the protection of victims and witnesses, considering their well-founded fear of reprisals. For their security, the Uyghur Research Institute has changed the name of the interviewee unless there is consent to use their real name.