The Uyghurs are predominantly Muslims, and around 11 million are in the Xinjiang region of western China. They see themselves as being close to Central Asian nations culturally and ethnically, and their language is similar to Turkish.  At least one million Uighurs have been interned into more than 85 identified camps within Xinjiang. These camps are, for some reason, called “educational camps”. 

These camps are made to improve Uyghur Muslims for the better by Torturing, raping, killing, violating their physical/emotional values, and making them go against their beliefs and morals. 

Some rules that these camps strictly demand are the following:

• Never allow escapes
• Increase discipline and punishment of behavioural violations
• Promote repentance and confession
• Make remedial Mandarin studies the top priority
• Encourage students to truly transform
• [Ensure] full video surveillance coverage of dormitories and classrooms free of blind spots
• Etc.

    Raising awareness. At this point, it is the best that we can do. The primary explanation that no aid has currently been sent to these camps is that not many people are aware of their presence. The more people are conscious of this, the more they can contribute. 

      Another crucial thing we should do is to protest peacefully, as it draws the government's attention. What will we be protesting for you may ask? We will be protesting for the government to bring back our citizens so that they are out of harm’s way. This may not help everyone in the camps but it is a start.

     If we all raise our voices and walk together through these challenging times, we will surely find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Put yourself in the shoes of these innocent victims in China. Imagine having the people you love and care about stuck in these camps. Every day, We waste our time on small and temporary things, but... What about the things that truly matter? What about the people who need us? Are we going to turn a blind eye to their cries for help and neglect them? If you’re reading this, you know how much we need you to stand up and use your voice. 

It’s a privilege right now, but everyone should have the right to freedom and the right to practice their religion. Chances are, you probably have those rights. So what are you going to do? Use your voice and change the system of this cruel world or stay silent? That decision is up to you. 

The two people writing this, (me and a friend) are only just teenagers but while discussing this over the course of three months, she helped me realize that no matter what, we should take action. Humans are strange creatures, we’re so complex yet simple at the same time. 

Funny enough, something similar happened in the past. Can you guess what it is? You probably guessed it right, it’s the holocaust. It’s been 75 years since it’s ended and they promised it would never happen again. 

You’re probably going to ignore my words too but if you don’t, here are my last words for this little paragraph. There’s only one question we’re asking. Is history repeating itself? For the sake of humanity, justice, freedom and rights, please sign this petition. Please speak up and use the voice you’ve been gifted with. Please, help these two teenagers who are trying to make a change for the better.