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:

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.

PositionRepresentative
PresidentMr Dolkun Isa (Germany)
Vice-PresidentMr Perhat Muhammet (Germany)
Dr Erkin Ekrem (Turkey)
Chairman of the Executive CommitteeMr Omer Kanat (USA)
Vice Chairman of the Executive CommitteeMr Semet Abla (Norway)
Mr Erkin Exmet (Kazakhstan)
SecretaryDr Erkin Emet (Turkey)
SpokespersonMr Dilshat Rishit (Sweden)
Inspector GeneralMr Ablikim Idris(USA)
InspectorMr Polat Sayim (Australia)
Mr Perhat Yaqup (Norway)
TreasurerMr Abdujelil Emet (Germany)
Director of the Human Rights CommitteeMs Zubayra Shamseden (USA)
director of Committee of Human ResourcesMr Hamit Göktürk (Turkey)
Director of China AffairsMr Ilshat Hassan (USA)
Director of Cultural AffairsMr Zaidin Tursun (Netherlands)
Director of the Committee for Religious AffairsMr Turghunjan Alawdun (Germany)
Director of the Committee for WomenMs Amangül Aziz (Germany)
Director of the Youth CommitteeMr Kuerban Haiyuer (Germany)
Director of Environmental AffairsMr Enver Tohti (UK)
Director of Publication CenterMr Abdujelil Turan (Turkey)
Director of the Refugees CenterMr Memet Tohti (Canada)
Director of Research CenterMr Enwer Ehmet (Germany)
Director of Education CenterMs Dilnara Kassymova (Kazakhstan)
Representative for East Asia and the PacificMr Ilham Mahmut (Japan)
Representative for KyrgyzstanMr Rozmuhammed Abdulbakive (Kyrgyzstan)
Advisory CommitteeMr 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

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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.

PositionRepresentative
PresidentMs Rebiya Kadeer (USA)
Vice PresidentsMr Ömer Kanat (USA)
Mr Seyit Tümtürk (Turkey)
Mr Ümid Hamid (Germany)
Mr Perhat Yorungqash (Germany)
Mr Arkin Akhmetov (Kazakhstan)
General SecretaryMr Dolkun Isa (Germany)
Assistant General SecretaryDr Erkin Emet (Turkey)
Ms Zubeyre Shemsidin (USA)
SpokespersonsMr Dilshat Rishit (Sweden)
Mr Alim Seytoff (USA)
Director of the FoundationMr Abducelil Turan (Germany)
Director of Public RelationsMr Hayrulla Efendigil (Turkey)
Director of the Publication CenterMr Ekrem Hizim (Germany)
Director of the Research CenterMr Erkinjan (Turkey)
Director of the Committee for Religious AffairsMr Turghunjan Alawdun (Germany)
Director of the Refugees CenterMr Polat Sayim (Australia)
Director of the Committee for WomenMs Gulmire Zunun (Australia)
Director of the Youth CommitteeMr Kuerban Haiyuer (Germany)
Director of the Committee for Culture and EducationMs Dilnare Kasimova (Kazakhstan)
Director of the Committee on China AffairsMr Alim Seytoff (USA)

World Uyghur Congress Fourth General Assembly

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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.”

PositionRepresentative
PresidentMs Rebiya Kadeer (USA)
Vice PresidentMr 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 CommitteeMr Dolkun Isa (Germany)
Vice ChairmenDr Erkin Emet (Turkey)
Mr Nurmuhammad Majid (Australia)
Chief Inspector/AuditorMr Nurmamat Rozahun (Germany)
Secretary GeneralMr Nuri Musabay (USA)
Vice General SecretaryMr Abdijelil Turan (Turkey)
Mr Tuyghun Abdiweli (Canada)
Mr Abdukayum Masimov (Canada)
SpokespersonsMr Dilxat Rexit (Sweden)
Mr Alim Seytoff (USA)
Chief Advisor of WUCMr Riya Semedi (Kazakhstan)
Special Representative of WUC to Central AsiaMr Cacharman Hojamberdiev (Kazakhstan)
Representative of WUC on KyrgyzstanMr Rozimemet Abdilbakiev (Kyrgyzstan)
Director of TreasuryMr Umut Tursun (Germany)
Director of Information and Publication CenterMr Perhat Muhemmed (Germany)
Director of Education and Culture CommitteeMr Ablimit Tursun (Germany)
Director of Religious Affairs CommitteeMr Turghunjan Atawulla (Germany)
Director of Research CenterMr Enver Ehmet (Germany)
Uyghur Refuge CenterMr Heyrulla Efendigil (Turkey)
Director of Women’s CommitteeMs Zubayra Shamshiddin (USA)
Director of Youth CommitteeMr Gheyur Qurban (Germany)

World Uyghur Congress Third General Assembly

WUC Leadership During the 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.”

PositionRepresentative
Honorary ChairmanMr Riza Bekin (Turkey)
Chief AdvisorMr Erkin Alptekin (Germany)
PresidentMs Rebiya Kadeer (USA)
Vice PresidentMr Seyit Tumturk (Turkey)
Mr Khahriman Hojamberdiyev (Kazakhstan)
Mr Omer Kanat (USA)
Mr Asgar Can (Germany)
Husen Hesen Mr (Australia)
Mr Semet Abla (Norway)
Chief AuditorMr Nurmemet Musabay (USA)
AuditorMr Nurmamat Rozahun (Germany)
Secretary GeneralMr Dolkun Isa (Germany)
Vice Secretary GeneralDr Erkin Emet (Turkey)
Mr Abdureshit Turdiyev (Kazakhstan)
Mr Tuyghun Abduweli (Canada)
Chief TreasuryMr Semet Awut (USA)
SpokesmenMr Alim Seytoff (USA)
Mr Dilshat Reshit (Sweden)
Director of Public RelationsMr Ilshat Hesen (USA)
Director of the Youth CommitteeMr Haiyuer Kuerban (Germany)
Director of the Research CenterMr Ümüt Hamit (Germany)
Director of the Publication CenterMr Abdulcelil Turan (Turkey)
Director of the Religious AffairsMr Turghunjan Alawudun (Germany)
Director of the Uyghur Cultural CenterDr Kahar Barat (USA)
Director of the Refugees CenterMr Ablikim Idris (Germany)
Director of the Information CenterKutluq Almas (USA)
Director of the Education CenterMr Zunun Kurbanbakiyev (Kazakhstan)
RepresentativesMr 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

WUC Leadership During the 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.”

PositionRepresentative
Honorary ChairmanMr Riza Bekin (Turkey)
Chief AdvisorMr Erkin Alptekin (Germany)
PresidentMs Rebiya Kadeer (USA)
Vice PresidentMr Khahriman Hojamberdiyev (Kazakhstan)
Mr Memet Tohti (Canada)
Mr Asgar Can (Germany)
Mr Seyit Tumtürk (Turkey)
Chief AuditorMr Rozimemet Abdubakiyev (Kyrgyzstan)
Mr Ömer Imin (Germany)
Chairman of the Executive CommitteeMr Alim Seytoff (USA)
Vice ChairmanMr Ablikim Idris (Germany)
Secretary GeneralMr Dolkun Isa (Germany)
Chief TreasuryMr Nurehmet Tursun (Germany)
SpokespersonMr Dilshat Reshit (Sweden)
Director of Public RelationMr Abdujelil Emet (USA)
Director of Information & Research CenterDr Hemit Hamrayov (Germany)
Director of the Uyghur Culture CenterDr Kahar Barat (USA)
Director of the Publication CenterMr Abdulcelil Turan (Turkey)
Director of Religious AffairsMr Turghunjan Alawudun (Germany)
Director of the Refugees CenterMr Omer Memet (Germany)
Director of the Youth CommitteeMr Bahtiyar Semseddin (Netherlands)
Director of the Women’s CommitteeMs Tamara Mehmatova (Kazakhstan)
RepresentativesMr Faruq Sedikov (Sweden)
Mr Tursun Isalam (Kyrgyzstan)
Mr Semet Abla (Norway)
Mr Husen Hesen (Australia)
Mr Enwer Toxti (UK)
Legal AdvisorsMr Tursun Islam (Kyrgyzstan)
Mr Gulinur Jalaliwa (Kazakhstan)

World Uyghur Congress First General Assembly

WUC Leadership During the First General Assembly
PositionRepresentative
Honorary ChairmanMr Riza Bekin (Turkey)
PresidentMr Erkin Alptekin (Germany)
Vice PresidentMr Memet Tohti (Canada)
Chief AuditorMr Kurash Kosen (Sweden)
Mr Ömer Imin (Germany)
Chairman of the Executive CommitteeMr Alim Seytoff (USA)
Vice ChairmanMr Asgar Can (Germany)
Secretary GeneralMr Dolkun Isa (Germany)
Vice General SecretaryDr Erkin Emet (Turkey)
Mr Abdureshit Turdi (Kazakhstan)
Chief TreasurerMr Ablikim Idris (Germany)
SpokespersonMr Dilshat Reshit (Sweden)
Director of Public RelationMr Ablimit Tursun (Germany)
Director of Uyghur Culture CenterDr Kahar Barat (USA)
Director of the Youth CommitteeMr Bahtiyar Semseddin (Netherlands)
Director of the Women’s CommitteeMs Risalet Aripova (Belgium)
RepresentativesMr Kahriman Hojamberji (Kazakhstan)
Mr Rozimemet Abdibaqi (Kyrgyzstan)
Mr Seyit Tümturk (Turkey)
Mr Husen Hesen (Australia)
Legal AdvisorsMr Nuri Turkel (USA)