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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and calling for an international investigation into the abuses and crimes being committed.

Joining Rubio and Coons in introducing the resolution are Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mitt Romney (R-UT). 

Rubio is the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations’ Subcommittee overseeing Human Rights.

“I’m proud to join Senator Coons in introducing this bipartisan resolution condemning the egregious human rights violations, including genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang,” Rubio said. “The Trump Administration was right to issue a genocide determination and the time is now for the Biden Administration to take meaningful action and lead our allies and partners to put an end to these abusers and bring forth accountability and justice for the perpetrators.” 

“Whether on behalf of individuals like Ekpar Asat – a Uyghur journalist and entrepreneur who has been unjustly detained since 2016 – or entire groups who are victims of forced labor or monitored by mass surveillance systems, we must speak out against the abuses taking place in Xinjiang,” Coons said. “We’re calling on the United States and our allies and partners to ensure a credible investigation into crimes committed by the PRC government in Xinjiang. We should cooperate with the PRC when possible, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the government’s blatant disregard for the human rights of its own citizens.”

“The Chinese Communist Party continues to pursue repressive and cruel dictatorial rule against people in China, including engaging in genocide and crimes against humanity with respect to Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang,” Hagerty said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution strongly condemning the CCP-controlled Chinese government for these barbaric actions and demanding an investigation.” 

“For years, the Chinese government has waged a horrific campaign to forcibly assimilate Uyghur Muslims and eliminate their cultural and religious practices,” Kaine said. “Congress must continue to call out the ongoing abuses in Xinjiang and pressure China about its devastating treatment of other religious and ethnic minorities as well.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is exacting genocide against the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” Romney said. “With this resolution, we condemn the CCP’s treatment of the Uyghur people and call for an investigation into the crimes and abuses committed against them.”