Author and Uyghur human rights activist Jewher Illham joined host Ben Domenech to discuss her personal experience fighting to expose the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghur people. Illham is creating a documentary to raise awareness of the Uyghur‘s condition by amplifying survivors’ voices.

Illham, whose father was imprisoned seven years ago following his attempt to create an unbiased social media platform, argues that very few people both inside and outside of China are aware of the human rights offenses taking place. Uyghur people are faced into different levels of camps, including some that are solely used for torture.

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  1. Aaron Miller Member
    Aaron Miller Joined in the first year of Ricochet Ricochet Charter Member

    Two things limit American outcry on this topic. 

    First, few Americans had even heard of Uyghur people until recently. We know nothing about them. Only a couple thousand live in the US and we have no history with them, that I’m aware. So our concern is only the vague and faceless concern for fellow human beings. 

    Second, what strategic options does the US have to free the Uyghurs? President Trump could have made that part of economic negotiations. American officials can publicize the problem. But, short of direct war with China, I don’t see how we can change the situation. 

    The best hope of American aid might come from private organizations and companies. Elon Musk’s project to cover the world in Internet-communicating satellites, for example, might make it easier for Chinese citizens to get information outside the local propaganda. 

    I’m impressed by Illham’s charitable spirit toward people who don’t understand. We will pray for her people.

    • #1
    • July 22, 2020, at 11:42 AM PDT
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    • 1 like
  2. colleenb Member
    colleenb Joined in the first year of Ricochet Ricochet Charter Member

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    Two things limit American outcry on this topic.

    First, few Americans had even heard of Uyghur people until recently. We know nothing about them. Only a couple thousand live in the US and we have no history with them, that I’m aware. So our concern is only the vague and faceless concern for fellow human beings.

    Second, what strategic options does the US have to free the Uyghurs? President Trump could have made that part of economic negotiations. American officials can publicize the problem. But, short of direct war with China, I don’t see how we can change the situation.

    The best hope of American aid might come from private organizations and companies. Elon Musk’s project to cover the world in Internet-communicating satellites, for example, might make it easier for Chinese citizens to get information outside the local propaganda.

    I’m impressed by Illham’s charitable spirit toward people who don’t understand. We will pray for her people.

    Yes. Excellent interview on an important topic. You’re right that America cannot free the Uyghurs as such but the more this is out there the harder it is for the Chinese to cover up what they are doing. No one has had much success stopping the Chinese actions in Tibet but we must keep speaking out when we can.

    • #2
    • July 23, 2020, at 8:09 AM PDT
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    • 1 like
  3. colleenb Member
    colleenb Joined in the first year of Ricochet Ricochet Charter Member

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    Two things limit American outcry on this topic.

    First, few Americans had even heard of Uyghur people until recently. We know nothing about them. Only a couple thousand live in the US and we have no history with them, that I’m aware. So our concern is only the vague and faceless concern for fellow human beings.

    Second, what strategic options does the US have to free the Uyghurs? President Trump could have made that part of economic negotiations. American officials can publicize the problem. But, short of direct war with China, I don’t see how we can change the situation.

    The best hope of American aid might come from private organizations and companies. Elon Musk’s project to cover the world in Internet-communicating satellites, for example, might make it easier for Chinese citizens to get information outside the local propaganda.

    I’m impressed by Illham’s charitable spirit toward people who don’t understand. We will pray for her people.

    And prayer too. I was so struck by her saying to just be appreciative that you can speak to your family members. We forget the things we have.

    • #3
    • July 23, 2020, at 8:11 AM PDT
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    • 1 like