Generalversammlung
Generalversammlungen des WUC
World Uyghur Congress Seventh General Assembly
From November 12-14, 2021, the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) successfully held its 7th General Assembly, in Prague, Czech Republic, co-organized by the WUC, the Uyghur Center for Human Rights and Democracy, and the Forum For Human Rights, a Czech non-governmental organization.
More than 200 Uyghur delegates from over 25 countries gathered in the Czech capital to elect the organization’s leadership for the next three years. Delegates to the 7th General Assembly were joined by representatives from other communities, civil society, Parliament members and national governments, as well as leading academics and legal experts, to reflect on recent developments of the Uyghur genocide.
“Over the past few months, we have worked around the clock to prepare for the General Assembly,” WUC President Dolkun Isa said. “It is very important that we can offer the Uyghur people in the diaspora the proper democratic means to choose who represents them, a right Uyghurs in East Turkistan have been stripped of by the Chinese government”.
On the evening of November 11, the event opened with a welcome reception and dinner, which will also feature a book fair and exhibition on the Uyghur crisis.
On November 12th, a day-long international conference, ‘’Uyghur Rights: The Road Towards Accountability,’’ took place, bringing together survivors of China’s camps, leading academics and legal experts, as well as diplomats, policymakers and government representatives. Panels featured topics such as survivor testimonies, policy approaches toward the Uyghur crisis, legal means to hold perpetrators accountable, and the research practices that have been essential to exposing the Uyghur genocide.
Immediately following the conference, the WUC and other invited guests joined an official reception at the invitation of the Mayor of Prague, Zdeněk Hřib, at his residence (The Lord’s Mayor’s Residence/Rezidence primátora).
On November 13-14, the outgoing leadership of the WUC and its committees reported on the organization’s activities and financial record from 2017-2021. This was followed by the General Assembly’s democratic elections, during which members of the WUC’s 16 different committees and boards, including its presidency, were chosen by 204 delegates from 25 countries (137 votes were casted in person, 67 were casted online).
Following confirmation of the election results on November 14, the General Assembly continued meetings of the newly elected board and president to plan and strategize the organization’s priorities and activities for the next three years.
To ensure the General Assembly followed the highest democratic standards, its processes were monitored and audited by independent observers. Moreover, the general public could closely follow the international conference and the process of the General Assembly elections via live streaming (see the recordings below).
The 32 positions for the term 2021-2023 are as follows:
Position | Representative |
---|---|
President | Dolkun Isa |
Vice Presidents | Erkin Ekrem |
Zubeyre Shemsidin | |
Perhat Yorungqash | |
Chairman of the Executive Committee | Omer Kanat |
Vice Chairmen of the Executive Committee | Semet Abla |
Ilshat Hesen | |
Turghunjan Alawudun | |
Erkin Exmetov | |
Inspector General | Perhat Yaqup |
Inspectors | Ömerjan Imin |
Jür’et Abdukérim | |
Abdurahim Qurbanov | |
Behtiyar Nasir | |
Treasurer | Abdujelil Emet |
Vice Treasurers | Ümit Tursun |
Xelchem Memtimin | |
Director of the Youth Committee | Erkin Zunun |
Director of the Women’s Committee | Zumretay Arkin |
Director of Internal Affairs | Behtiyar Böre |
Director of the Religious Committee | Hebibulla Ehet |
Director of the Education Committee | Dilnare Qasimova |
Director of the Cultural Affairs Committee | Ilyar Sidik |
Director of the Health Committee | Nimat Kashkari |
Director of the Environment Committee | Gülmire Berdash |
Director of China Affairs | Adiljan Abdukérim |
Director of the Human Rights Committee | Kewser Kamal |
Director of the Legal Committee | Mehmet Tohti |
Director of the Refugees Center | Polat Sayim |
Director of the Information Center | Behtiyar Ömer |
Director of the Research Committee | Abduweli Ayup |
Director of the Publication Center | Abdujélil Turan |
World Uyghur Congress Sixth General Assembly
The World Uyghur Congress successfully completed its 6th General Assembly on November 12th in Munich, Germany. The assembly brought together over 100 WUC delegates hailing from 18 countries from November 10-12 to amend the Charter of the organization, discuss the most effective direction of the organization in the coming years, to develop a working strategy to more effectively raise the Uyghur issue in international fora, and elect new leadership.
The public opening ceremony brought together members of the Uyghur community with distinguished guests including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), MPs from the German national government, politicians from the Bavarian regional government, academics and representatives from civil society and human rights NGOs, who delivered speeches expressing support, solidarity and advice for the Uyghur cause.
The second day of the Assembly saw elections take place for a number of important positions within the organisation. Long-time Uyghur activist and co-founder of the WUC, Dolkun Isa, was elected as WUC President and former Vice-President, Omer Kanat was elected as Chairman of the Executive Committee. In addition, the delegates recognized the unparalleled contributions of former President and long time Uyghur activist Rebiya Kadeer with an honorary role with the organization.
In his remarks as the newly elected president, Dolkun Isa emphasized the spirit of unity among Uyghurs in exile and WUC’s duty to speak with moral clarity. He pledged to cooperate closely with all civil society and governments supporting freedom and justice, and expressed his firm conviction that the Uyghur people will someday realize their democratic rights and freedoms.
Additionally, elections were also held for vice-presidential positions for five Uyghur representatives. Perhat Muhammed (Germany) was re-elected as vice-president, while Erkin Ekrem was newly elected to the position. A total of 18 other positions were also elected and will serve over the next four years in various positions within the organization. A full list of all those who were elected and their position is available below.
Delegates also passed several resolutions underscoring the organization’s commitment to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the fundamental spirit of all the rights therein, and its founding principle of pursuing purely peaceful, non-violent action in support of its objectives.
The third day allowed time for delegates to be split into groups for more open discussion on advocacy strategy and organisational priorities. During these meetings, all delegates were able to raise their voices and offer suggestions as to the focus and approach of each member organization and on the work of the WUC as a whole.
The closing ceremony was centered around a Uyghur cultural event that included a performance by members of the London Uyghur Ensemble, traditional dance and the recitation of poetry. The event allowed members of the Uyghur community from around the world to share in their common culture and heritage as the WUC looks to protect Uyghur identity going forward.
Position | Representative |
---|---|
President | Mr Dolkun Isa (Germany) |
Vice-President | Mr Perhat Muhammet (Germany) |
Dr Erkin Ekrem (Turkey) | |
Chairman of the Executive Committee | Mr Omer Kanat (USA) |
Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee | Mr Semet Abla (Norway) |
Mr Erkin Exmet (Kazakhstan) | |
Secretary | Dr Erkin Emet (Turkey) |
Spokesperson | Mr Dilshat Rishit (Sweden) |
Inspector General | Mr Ablikim Idris(USA) |
Inspector | Mr Polat Sayim (Australia) |
Mr Perhat Yaqup (Norway) | |
Treasurer | Mr Abdujelil Emet (Germany) |
Director of the Human Rights Committee | Ms Zubayra Shamseden (USA) |
director of Committee of Human Resources | Mr Hamit Göktürk (Turkey) |
Director of China Affairs | Mr Ilshat Hassan (USA) |
Director of Cultural Affairs | Mr Zaidin Tursun (Netherlands) |
Director of the Committee for Religious Affairs | Mr Turghunjan Alawdun (Germany) |
Director of the Committee for Women | Ms Amangül Aziz (Germany) |
Director of the Youth Committee | Mr Kuerban Haiyuer (Germany) |
Director of Environmental Affairs | Mr Enver Tohti (UK) |
Director of Publication Center | Mr Abdujelil Turan (Turkey) |
Director of the Refugees Center | Mr Memet Tohti (Canada) |
Director of Research Center | Mr Enwer Ehmet (Germany) |
Director of Education Center | Ms Dilnara Kassymova (Kazakhstan) |
Representative for East Asia and the Pacific | Mr Ilham Mahmut (Japan) |
Representative for Kyrgyzstan | Mr Rozmuhammed Abdulbakive (Kyrgyzstan) |
Advisory Committee | Mr Qehriman Ghojamberdi(Kazakhstan) |
Mr Riza Semedi(Kazakhstan) | |
Mr Tursun Islam(Kyrgyzstan) | |
Mr Erkin Sidiq (USA) Mr Rishat Abbas (USA) |
World Uyghur Congress Fifth General Assembly
The World Uyghur Congress, under the cosponsorship of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) and the Uyghur Association of France (Association des Ouïghours de France) successfully completed its 5th General Assembly on July 13th in Paris, France. The Assembly brought together over 140 WUC delegates from 18 countries to elect new representation, amend the Charter of the organization and to discuss a forward-looking strategic advocacy plan over the next four years.
The public opening session brought together members of the Uyghur community with representatives of civil society in France as well as WUC affiliate organizations from around the world to highlight the successes of those groups as well potential areas for improvement. Speeches during the ceremony were delivered by WUC President, Rebiya Kadeer and UNPO Secretary General, Marino Busdachin, along with leaders of WUC affiliate organizations.
The second day of the Assembly saw elections take place for a number of positions within the organization. With overwhelming support, Rebiya Kadeer was re-elected as WUC President. In similar fashion, Dolkun Isa was elected with overwhelming support from the delegates to retain his position as Chairman of the Executive Committee—a position that will now perform all the duties heretofore carried out by the entire Committee.
Additionally, elections were also held for vice-presidential positions for five Uyghur representatives. Omer Kanat (United States) was reelected as vice-president and will now take up duties managing the daily activities of the WUC that were heretofore performed by the president. Additionally, Umit Hamit (Germany) and Seyit Tumturk (Turkey) retained their positions as vice-president, while Perhat Muhammed (Germany) and Arkin Ahmetov (Kazakhstan) were newly elected. Twelve additional positions were also elected and will serve over the next four years in various positions within the organization.
The third day allowed time for delegates to be split into groups for more open discussion to cultivate knowledge and strategy in regards to advocacy and fundraising. During these meetings, all delegates were able to raise their voices and offer suggestions as to the focus and approach of each member organization. Additionally, changes made to the WUC Charter and three new committees were established including those focusing on refugees, fundraising, and an advisory council.
At the closing meeting of the General Assembly, WUC President Rebiya Kadeer reiterated that we must build on past successes to orient our advocacy approach over the next four years.
Position | Representative |
---|---|
President | Ms Rebiya Kadeer (USA) |
Vice Presidents | Mr Ömer Kanat (USA) |
Mr Seyit Tümtürk (Turkey) | |
Mr Ümid Hamid (Germany) | |
Mr Perhat Yorungqash (Germany) | |
Mr Arkin Akhmetov (Kazakhstan) | |
General Secretary | Mr Dolkun Isa (Germany) |
Assistant General Secretary | Dr Erkin Emet (Turkey) |
Ms Zubeyre Shemsidin (USA) | |
Spokespersons | Mr Dilshat Rishit (Sweden) |
Mr Alim Seytoff (USA) | |
Director of the Foundation | Mr Abducelil Turan (Germany) |
Director of Public Relations | Mr Hayrulla Efendigil (Turkey) |
Director of the Publication Center | Mr Ekrem Hizim (Germany) |
Director of the Research Center | Mr Erkinjan (Turkey) |
Director of the Committee for Religious Affairs | Mr Turghunjan Alawdun (Germany) |
Director of the Refugees Center | Mr Polat Sayim (Australia) |
Director of the Committee for Women | Ms Gulmire Zunun (Australia) |
Director of the Youth Committee | Mr Kuerban Haiyuer (Germany) |
Director of the Committee for Culture and Education | Ms Dilnare Kasimova (Kazakhstan) |
Director of the Committee on China Affairs | Mr Alim Seytoff (USA) |
World Uyghur Congress Fourth General Assembly
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) successfully held its 4th General Assembly in Tokyo, Japan, from May 14 to 17, attended by more than 120 Uyghur delegates from 20 countries around the world. During the four-day assembly, delegates in six commissions discussed new strategies for the peaceful promotion of human rights and democracy for the Uyghur people, in light of China’s current political conditions and its upcoming change of political leadership later this year. They also held a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo with the participation of Japanese supporters. During the rally, a representative delivered a letter to the Chinese government calling for an end to ongoing grave human rights abuses suffered by Uyghurs in their homeland. Japanese and international media covered the protest.
During the Assembly, Uyghur delegates also elected a new WUC leadership. Uyghur democracy leader Ms. Rebiya Kadeer was re-elected as WUC President.
“I am grateful to the representatives of Uyghur people around the world for placing their trust in me once again. Under my leadership, the World Uyghur Congress will continue to use nonviolent and peaceful means to promote the democratic rights of the Uyghur people,” said Uyghur democracy leader Rebiya Kadeer.
“I call on the Chinese government to end its highly repressive and systematic assimilationist policies in East Turkestan, as well as in Tibet and Southern Mongolia. I urge Chinese leaders to seriously consider the legitimate demands of Uyghurs, Tibetans and Mongols, as well as those of the Chinese people, for human rights and democratic reform, and to resolve the political questions of East Turkestan, Tibet and Southern Mongolia through peaceful negotiation.”
Position | Representative |
---|---|
President | Ms Rebiya Kadeer (USA) |
Vice President | Mr Seyit Tumturk (Turkey) |
Mr Omer Kanat (USA) | |
Mr Ümit Hamit (Germany) | |
Mr Abdureshit Turdiev (Kazakhstan) | |
Mr Memtimin Ala (Australia) | |
Mr Asgar Can (Germany) | |
Chairman of Executive Committee | Mr Dolkun Isa (Germany) |
Vice Chairmen | Dr Erkin Emet (Turkey) |
Mr Nurmuhammad Majid (Australia) | |
Chief Inspector/Auditor | Mr Nurmamat Rozahun (Germany) |
Secretary General | Mr Nuri Musabay (USA) |
Vice General Secretary | Mr Abdijelil Turan (Turkey) |
Mr Tuyghun Abdiweli (Canada) | |
Mr Abdukayum Masimov (Canada) | |
Spokespersons | Mr Dilxat Rexit (Sweden) |
Mr Alim Seytoff (USA) | |
Chief Advisor of WUC | Mr Riya Semedi (Kazakhstan) |
Special Representative of WUC to Central Asia | Mr Cacharman Hojamberdiev (Kazakhstan) |
Representative of WUC on Kyrgyzstan | Mr Rozimemet Abdilbakiev (Kyrgyzstan) |
Director of Treasury | Mr Umut Tursun (Germany) |
Director of Information and Publication Center | Mr Perhat Muhemmed (Germany) |
Director of Education and Culture Committee | Mr Ablimit Tursun (Germany) |
Director of Religious Affairs Committee | Mr Turghunjan Atawulla (Germany) |
Director of Research Center | Mr Enver Ehmet (Germany) |
Uyghur Refuge Center | Mr Heyrulla Efendigil (Turkey) |
Director of Women’s Committee | Ms Zubayra Shamshiddin (USA) |
Director of Youth Committee | Mr Gheyur Qurban (Germany) |
World Uyghur Congress Third General Assembly
The World Uyghur Congress successfully held its Third General Assembly in Washington, DC from May 21-25, 2009. WUC delegates from the United States, Canada, the Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan attended this assembly.
Held in conjunction with the meeting was a conference on the Uyghur conflict entitled, East Turkestan: 60 Years under Communist Chinese Rule, that took place on May 18th and 19th, prior to the Assembly. During the week beginning on Monday, May 18th – officially designated by the WUC as “Uyghur Week” –WUC delegates, Uyghur human right activists, government officials, legislators and academics attended these two important events.
Prior to the events, Ms. Rebiya Kadeer said, “Uyghur Week in Washington, DC is a milestone for the Uyghur people as they aspire for human rights, democracy and freedom in East Turkestan. The opening of the World Uyghur Congress Third General Assembly at the U.S. Capitol has profound historical significance and symbolism; Uyghurs across the world look to the United States and its representatives as leaders in the struggle against tyranny and repression. Accordingly, members of the U.S. Senate and House, as well as dignitaries, prominent human rights defenders, and leaders of the Tibetan and Chinese communities will address Uyghur congressional delegates and their supporters from around the world.”
Position | Representative |
---|---|
Honorary Chairman | Mr Riza Bekin (Turkey) |
Chief Advisor | Mr Erkin Alptekin (Germany) |
President | Ms Rebiya Kadeer (USA) |
Vice President | Mr Seyit Tumturk (Turkey) |
Mr Khahriman Hojamberdiyev (Kazakhstan) | |
Mr Omer Kanat (USA) | |
Mr Asgar Can (Germany) | |
Husen Hesen Mr (Australia) | |
Mr Semet Abla (Norway) | |
Chief Auditor | Mr Nurmemet Musabay (USA) |
Auditor | Mr Nurmamat Rozahun (Germany) |
Secretary General | Mr Dolkun Isa (Germany) |
Vice Secretary General | Dr Erkin Emet (Turkey) |
Mr Abdureshit Turdiyev (Kazakhstan) | |
Mr Tuyghun Abduweli (Canada) | |
Chief Treasury | Mr Semet Awut (USA) |
Spokesmen | Mr Alim Seytoff (USA) |
Mr Dilshat Reshit (Sweden) | |
Director of Public Relations | Mr Ilshat Hesen (USA) |
Director of the Youth Committee | Mr Haiyuer Kuerban (Germany) |
Director of the Research Center | Mr Ümüt Hamit (Germany) |
Director of the Publication Center | Mr Abdulcelil Turan (Turkey) |
Director of the Religious Affairs | Mr Turghunjan Alawudun (Germany) |
Director of the Uyghur Cultural Center | Dr Kahar Barat (USA) |
Director of the Refugees Center | Mr Ablikim Idris (Germany) |
Director of the Information Center | Kutluq Almas (USA) |
Director of the Education Center | Mr Zunun Kurbanbakiyev (Kazakhstan) |
Representatives | Mr Abdughafur Momin (Australia) |
Mr Polat Sayim (Australia) | |
Mr Rukiyem Turdush (Canada) | |
Mr Dilmurat Akbarov (Kyrgyzstan) | |
Mr Mahinur Hasanova (Sweden) | |
Mr Ilham Mehmut (Japan) | |
Mr Abduhelil Awudun (Denmark) | |
Mr Ekper Yusuf (France) | |
Mr Enwer Tohti (UK) |
World Uyghur Congress Second General Assembly
The World Uyghur Congress has successfully held its Second Assembly from November 24 to 27 in Munich, Germany. WUC delegates from the United States, Canada, the Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan attended this assembly. Prominent Uyghur political leader and human rights activist Ms. Rebiya Kadeer was unanimously elected as the new President of World Uyghur Congress.
”I am really delighted to be elected as the new president,” said Ms. Kadeer, who is also the president of the Uyghur American Association based in Washington, DC. ”I promise that I will peacefully struggle for Uyghur people’s freedom and human rights until they have them.”
”Ms. Kadeer’s election marks a new beginning for our freedom movement, and I am confident that she will take our cause to a new level and change the future of Uyghur people,” said Erkin Alptekin, former WUC President.
Ms. Kadeer’s election has given new hope and strength for WUC and the Uyghur people all around the world. Since her release from Chinese custody in March 2005 to the U.S., Ms. Kadeer has never stopped fighting for the human rights, religious freedom and democracy of the Uyghur people who have been suffering under China’s authoritarian rule since 1949.
To retaliate Ms. Kadeer’s human rights activism and silence her voice in the world, the Chinese government arrested her three sons and put her daughter under house arrest in early June. The Chinese authorities even threatened her not to nominate herself as WUC president, or else her sons would be punished just a week before the WUC II Assembly. Today, Ms. Kadeer’s youngest son Alim Abdureyim was sentenced to seven years by a Chinese court on charges of tax evasion and released her oldest son Kahar Abdureyim with huge fines on the same charges. However, there is still not any kind of information regarding her third son Ablikim Abdureyim.
”All my three sons are innocent, and the Chinese authorities knew that clearly” said Ms. Kadeer, ”the Chinese government made clear to the world with today’s political decision that human rights and rule of law have no place in China.”
Position | Representative |
---|---|
Honorary Chairman | Mr Riza Bekin (Turkey) |
Chief Advisor | Mr Erkin Alptekin (Germany) |
President | Ms Rebiya Kadeer (USA) |
Vice President | Mr Khahriman Hojamberdiyev (Kazakhstan) |
Mr Memet Tohti (Canada) | |
Mr Asgar Can (Germany) | |
Mr Seyit Tumtürk (Turkey) | |
Chief Auditor | Mr Rozimemet Abdubakiyev (Kyrgyzstan) |
Mr Ömer Imin (Germany) | |
Chairman of the Executive Committee | Mr Alim Seytoff (USA) |
Vice Chairman | Mr Ablikim Idris (Germany) |
Secretary General | Mr Dolkun Isa (Germany) |
Chief Treasury | Mr Nurehmet Tursun (Germany) |
Spokesperson | Mr Dilshat Reshit (Sweden) |
Director of Public Relation | Mr Abdujelil Emet (USA) |
Director of Information & Research Center | Dr Hemit Hamrayov (Germany) |
Director of the Uyghur Culture Center | Dr Kahar Barat (USA) |
Director of the Publication Center | Mr Abdulcelil Turan (Turkey) |
Director of Religious Affairs | Mr Turghunjan Alawudun (Germany) |
Director of the Refugees Center | Mr Omer Memet (Germany) |
Director of the Youth Committee | Mr Bahtiyar Semseddin (Netherlands) |
Director of the Women’s Committee | Ms Tamara Mehmatova (Kazakhstan) |
Representatives | Mr Faruq Sedikov (Sweden) |
Mr Tursun Isalam (Kyrgyzstan) | |
Mr Semet Abla (Norway) | |
Mr Husen Hesen (Australia) | |
Mr Enwer Toxti (UK) | |
Legal Advisors | Mr Tursun Islam (Kyrgyzstan) |
Mr Gulinur Jalaliwa (Kazakhstan) |
World Uyghur Congress First General Assembly
Position | Representative |
---|---|
Honorary Chairman | Mr Riza Bekin (Turkey) |
President | Mr Erkin Alptekin (Germany) |
Vice President | Mr Memet Tohti (Canada) |
Chief Auditor | Mr Kurash Kosen (Sweden) |
Mr Ömer Imin (Germany) | |
Chairman of the Executive Committee | Mr Alim Seytoff (USA) |
Vice Chairman | Mr Asgar Can (Germany) |
Secretary General | Mr Dolkun Isa (Germany) |
Vice General Secretary | Dr Erkin Emet (Turkey) |
Mr Abdureshit Turdi (Kazakhstan) | |
Chief Treasurer | Mr Ablikim Idris (Germany) |
Spokesperson | Mr Dilshat Reshit (Sweden) |
Director of Public Relation | Mr Ablimit Tursun (Germany) |
Director of Uyghur Culture Center | Dr Kahar Barat (USA) |
Director of the Youth Committee | Mr Bahtiyar Semseddin (Netherlands) |
Director of the Women’s Committee | Ms Risalet Aripova (Belgium) |
Representatives | Mr Kahriman Hojamberji (Kazakhstan) |
Mr Rozimemet Abdibaqi (Kyrgyzstan) | |
Mr Seyit Tümturk (Turkey) | |
Mr Husen Hesen (Australia) | |
Legal Advisors | Mr Nuri Turkel (USA) |