Uyghur Muslims, people of the Xinjiang Province in Northwest China, have been through rough times. Since 2014, China has been separating parents and children into 'schools'. They are not allowed to see or contact each other while they are in these camps. China may call them schools or educational camps, however, their purpose is more sinister.

One could call this a cultural genocide. The sole purpose of these camps is to destroy what they classify as negative thoughts and values. The Chinese government is determined to ‘fix’ these people, they believe that Uyghurs have extremist thoughts. China is attempting to brainwash these people into thinking that Islamic values or their Turkish roots are useless and should be shamed. Those in charge of these concentration camps wish to take control of these peoples’ lives, such as forbidding them from speaking any other language besides Mandarin. Uyghurs are not allowed to practice their beliefs, such as praying and reading the Quran. 

“The Chinese authorities say the Uighurs are being educated in "vocational training centres" in order to combat violent religious extremism. But evidence shows that many are being detained for simply expressing their faith - praying or wearing a veil - or for having overseas connections to places like Turkey,” (BBC). China attempts to sugar coat their true intentions. These people are being taken against their will. One might compare the conditions of these areas to a prison. The people kept there are not allowed to leave, have contact with anybody from the outside world, practice their religion, and keep in touch with their cultural roots. 

Very recently, China has permitted several journalists from the BBC to have a tour of the area. Through satellite images, one can see high walls, watchtowers, and barbed wire all part of every “school”.  However, before the journalists were going to pay a visit, the watchtowers and other security items were removed, only at the place the BBC were going to. All the other buildings were untouched.