The Third International Uyghur Forum, organised by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) in collaboration with the Uyghur Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (UZDM) and with the support of the Uyghur Friendship Group within the German Bundestag, is scheduled to take place in Berlin from June 11 to 13, 2026. This forum will be significant as it marks a decade since the onset of what the WUC describes as China’s mass internment of Uyghurs.

Scheduled discussions will primarily focus on accountability measures and the international community’s responses to the alleged human rights abuses faced by the Uyghur population. The theme of the event is “Ten Years Since the Camps: From Recognition to Accountability – What’s Next?”

Expected to convene over 200 participants and nearly 80 speakers, the forum will include a diverse group of lawmakers, diplomats, legal scholars, academics, journalists, human rights advocates, civil society representatives, and members from the global Uyghur diaspora.

Focus on Accountability and Action

Turgunjan Alawdun, President of the WUC, commented on the necessity of transforming international recognition of crimes against the Uyghurs into tangible actions. He expressed that while awareness has increased, actual accountability for these violations remains minimal. The forum is aimed at examining ways to bridge this gap.

Dolkun Isa, President of the UZDM, emphasized the need for synergy among human rights defenders worldwide to counter the rising trend of collaboration among authoritarian regimes. His remarks highlight the urgency for cohesive international efforts to address and respond to these concerns.

The three-day event will feature various formats, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, roundtables, and presentations showcasing new research on developments in East Turkistan and related matters. Discussions will revolve around important subjects such as accountability mechanisms and enforcement measures against forced labour, transnational repression, and the safeguarding of Uyghur refugees.

Growing International Attention to the Uyghur Issue

The situation concerning the Uyghurs has garnered considerable international scrutiny in recent years, with multiple human rights organisations, researchers, and governments voicing concerns regarding allegedly oppressive practices in China’s Xinjiang region. Issues highlighted include restrictions on religious freedoms, cultural expressions, extensive surveillance, and stringent detainment policies affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

In contrast, the Chinese government has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that its policies are intended to combat extremism and foster development in the region. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these issues demonstrates a complex interplay between differing narratives on human rights and national security.

The forthcoming forum is anticipated to play a crucial role in framing global narratives and fostering discussions on potential legal responses to the challenges posed by the Uyghur crisis. Such gatherings aim to create networks among various stakeholders devoted to advocating for Uyghur rights and ensuring comprehensive accountability for alleged breaches of human rights.

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