Uyghur activists around the world commemorate East Turkistan National Day on November 12
Each year on November 12, the global Uyghur community unites in commemoration of East Turkistan National Day — a remembrance of the twin declarations of independence by the Uyghur people: first the Islamic Republic of East Turkistan founded in Kashgar on November 12 1933, and then the Republic of East Turkistan declared in Ghulja on November 12 1944. uyghurcongress.org Radio Free Asia
A Legacy of Independence
The First Republic, though short-lived, symbolised a bold assertion of Uyghur identity and autonomy in a region then dominated by warlords and competing powers. Wikipedia+1
The Second Republic (1944-49) built on that legacy, organising a national army, ministries, and issuing its own currency. east-turkistan.net+1
These foundational moments remain powerful anchors for the modern Uyghur cause.
Why November 12 Matters
For the many in the diaspora and inside East Turkistan, this day is not only about historical republics—it is a reaffirmation of enduring aspirations for freedom, justice and self-determination.
As the WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun stated:
“Every year on November 12, Uyghurs around the world remember the freedom our people once had. Despite seven decades of oppression, we have never lost hope — and we believe that one day, we will reclaim our freedom.” X (formerly Twitter)+1
The Grim Reality of Repression
The journey from those republics to the present has been one marked by escalating oppression under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party. Since 1949, when the Communist regime consolidated control over East Turkistan, millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples have endured systematic attempts at cultural erasure, religious suppression and forced assimilation.
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In recent years the situation has reached an extreme, with independent observers and a number of national governments recognising the unfolding reality as genocide or crimes against humanity. Radio Free Asia
Reported violations include:
Mass arbitrary detentions in camps
Forced labour
Forced family separations
Destruction of cultural heritage
Transnational repression targeting Uyghurs abroad
A Broader Warning for Global Rights
In a world where democratic backsliding and authoritarian ambitions are gaining ground, the fate of the Uyghur people is not only a regional issue — it is a test for global human‐rights regimes. When repression in East Turkistan goes unchecked, it signals to authoritarian governments everywhere: broad human rights violations can proceed with impunity.
Therefore defending Uyghur rights is intrinsically tied to defending universal principles of freedom, justice and dignity.
Global Commemorations & Mobilisation
Across Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia, Uyghur diaspora communities hold commemorations, cultural gatherings, flag-raisings, demonstrations and social-media campaigns on November 12. Organisations such as the WUC, the Campaign for Uyghurs and others join local events — for example in Munich, Istanbul and Washington D.C. turkistantimes.com+1
Politicians and parliaments have also taken note: in the U.S., lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill in November 2024 to mark the day and pledge support for Uyghur rights. Radio Free Asia
The WUC’s Call to Action
On this day, the World Uyghur Congress renews its unwavering commitment to advocating for Uyghur rights. The WUC calls on governments, multilateral bodies, civil-society organisations and global citizens to:
Recognise the human-rights crisis in East Turkistan for what it is
Take decisive, coordinated action to hold perpetrators accountable
Support the right of the Uyghur people to live in freedom, and reclaim their history, culture and homeland
Conclusion
November 12 is more than a date—it is a beacon of hope for the Uyghur people. As the world marks East Turkistan National Day, it is a moment to remember history, bear witness to ongoing struggles and commit to collective action. The legacy of the 1933 and 1944 republics lives on in the hearts of the Uyghur people, and their fight for freedom remains alive. The WUC’s message is clear: the fight for Uyghur self-determination continues — and every voice matters.