Statement on the 26th anniversary of the Ghulja Massacre
The Uyghur American Association (UAA) commemorates the 26th anniversary of the Ghulja
Massacre that took place on February 5, 1997. On this solemn day, we remember the innocent
lives lost in the tragedy and pay our respects to the families of the victims.
The Ghulja Massacre was a result of the Chinese government's violent crackdown on peaceful
demonstrations by Uyghur people, who were protesting against the increasing political and
religious repression, as well as brutal cultural assimilation policies. The use of excessive force
and violence by the Chinese authorities sparked outrage and international condemnation. The
crackdown continued for months afterwards, with many people imprisoned, tortured, executed
or still missing to this day.
The UAA remains committed to advocating for the Uyghur people and to raising awareness of
the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity they face, including arbitrary detentions,
political indoctrination, torture, sexual violence, forced abortion and sterilization, forced labor,
and separation of families and children. These policies are part of a larger strategy by the
Chinese government to annihilate Uyghur people and maintain its tight grip on the region by
reducing, diluting, and transforming the Uyghur population.
The UAA calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with the Uyghur people and
to hold the Chinese government accountable for its actions in Ghulja in 1997, in Urumchi in
2009, and in its ongoing atrocities in East Turkistan. The UAA also calls for an independent and
transparent investigation into the Ghulja Massacre and for justice to be served for the victims
and their families.
Because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not pay the price for the thousands of innocent
lives lost in the Ghulja, Barin and the Urumchi massacres, it was further emboldened to commit
genocide against Uyghur people in the 21st century. The UAA will continue to work to hold the
CCP accountable for its crimes in order to help build a future where Uyghurs can have their
inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
