Rebiya Kadeer Visits NZ, Discusses Her Cause

Click to enlarge Rebiya Kadeer

Rebiya Kadeer, human rights activist and outspoken supporter of the Uighur people of East Turkistan/Xingjang --a province West of China -- was received in Wellington October 14 by Green Party Member of Parliament Keith Locke and members of the New Zealand media. Kadeer discussed her determination to advance human rights in China and the potential role of New Zealand in the fight to bring justice and protection to the Uighur people.

After serving nearly six years in a Chinese prison for “providing secret information to foreigners” --she was in possession of newspaper clippings documenting the mistreatment of the Uighur people at the time of her arrest, and had sent similar clippings to her husband in the United States -- Kadeer was released in 2005 and relocated to the United States where she has been serving as U.S. leader for the World Uighur Congress.

The Chinese government has labelled Kadeer a threat to international security, claiming that she has influenced fringe separatist uprisings in China’s western provinces from afar. Kadeer was exiled from China following her release from prison four years ago. Her worldwide activism on behalf of the predominantly Muslim Uighur community has brought accusations from China that Kadeer has terrorist connections in the Middle East. China also claims Kadeer has ties with the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a group China alleges has links to al-Qaida. In her meeting with New Zealand media on October 14, Kadeer denied any involvement in violence-driven groups, instead advocating non-violent protests and peaceful resistance. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Kadeer asserts, "only exists in the Chinese's government's propaganda."

Click to enlarge Kadeer with her daughter at her release from prison in 2005. Courtesy Amnesty International.

China pressed Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand to deny Kadeer a visa during her travels. Australia resisted, allowing Kadeer entry in August and screening a documentary based on her life, "The 10 Conditions of Love" at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Taiwan rejected Kadeer's visa denying her entry into the country as recently as last week.

Kadeer's arrival in New Zealand coincided with an announcement by the Chinese government that they will be executing six Uighers who had been involved in the July 5 uprising in the Xinjiang region. The riots were the most violent in China’s recent history; the minority Uighur people clashed with the expanding Han Chinese majority and Chinese authorities resulting in 197 deaths.

Kadeer expressed her grief at this announcement during a radio interview at Auckland University's 95bFM on October 13, calling it "a very sad day, a day of mourning" for the Uighur people. (For full audio of the interview visit the following link: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0910/S00122.htm)

"Of course I would like the Uighur's issues to be part of the New Zealand foreign policy agenda issues," Kadeer spoke through an interpreter Wednesday at the Green Party's Parliament office.

"My hope is that in any dialogue between China and New Zealand the New Zealand government should put forth the human rights issues of the Uighurs and urge the Chinese government to stop the arbitrary arrest, sentencing and execution of Uighurs who express dissent."

Though she seeks more support for the Uighur's cause from other countries, Kadeer acknowledges the "tremendous pressure" that China has placed on Taiwan and New Zealand. Kadeer expressed gratitude to the New Zealand government for granting her a visa, a move that she said was a "bold stance" in itself, and exhibited New Zealand's interest in the fight for human rights in China.

The Uighur people’s struggle to maintain their native culture and religion in the face of oppression from the Han majority closely resembles the conflict between the Han and the people of Tibet, who are persecuted for practising Buddhism. In both situations radical groups have led demonstrations against the ruling class with deadly results. Kadeer has been likened to the Dalai Lama, as both have maintained influence over the regions from which they were exiled.

When speaking of what the future holds for the Uighurs, Kadeer is solemn but hopeful.

She hopes that one day the Uighurs will be offered asylum in another country, and that they will finally be able to share their native culture with others, free of persecution. Kadeer suggested the possibility of New Zealand accepting more Uighur refugees. "The Uighur people have a beautiful culture, and having them (in New Zealand) would be like adding another flower to this beautiful country."

Click to enlarge Ms. Kadeer at Green Party offices October 14

Click to enlarge Map of the Xinjiang region of western China. Courtesy of PBS.

For more information about Ms. Kadeer's involvement with the Uighur people please visit her profile on the Amnesty International website: http://www.amnestyusa.org/individuals-at-risk/priority-cases/special-focus-cases/page.do?id=1101237 .

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