China continues to infringe on the Uyghur population’s right to freedom of movement, despite relaxing some restrictions, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on Monday.
While China has lifted its ban on Uyghurs traveling outside the country, allowing them to apply for passports, HRW researcher Yalkun Uluyol states that the Chinese government still limits Uyghurs’ ability to leave the country freely. He adds that Uyghurs are often punished for their foreign ties, and they face severe restrictions on their speech and associations when abroad. Uluyol also noted that China is working to project an image of normalcy in Xinjiang, despite these ongoing issues.
The report, which included interviews with Uyghurs living outside China, outlines strict rules for traveling abroad. Uyghurs seeking to travel must provide a valid purpose for their journey, an invitation from family members abroad, and additional documents like addresses and a “guarantor.” The guarantor could face punishment if the travel guidelines are violated. Once abroad, Uyghurs face restrictions on their speech and are prohibited from criticizing China. Additionally, Uyghurs on business trips are not allowed to visit Islamic countries. During China’s 2016 Strike Hard Campaign, Uyghurs were forced to surrender their passports to the government.
HRW stresses that, according to international law, Uyghurs have the right to travel freely and urges the Chinese government to end these oppressive measures against the Uyghur diaspora. The organization also calls on the international community to ensure the Uyghurs’ protection from ongoing international oppression.
The Chinese government’s treatment of the Uyghur people has been classified as genocide, with multiple organizations, including the U.S. government’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), accusing China of targeting and abusing Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. Since 2016, there have been widespread reports of discrimination, detention in camps, and forced labor. According to Amnesty International, up to 1 million Uyghurs have been detained in internment camps since 2017, where they are denied a fair trial. The detentions have continued into recent years, with HRW reporting on January 17, 2025, that 48 Uyghur men face the risk of enforced disappearance, long-term imprisonment, torture, and other severe mistreatment if deported from Thailand to China.
