House committee advances Kim-led Uyghur Policy Act to protect Chinese minorities

The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Nov. 30 voted 40-0 to pass bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) that would support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. 

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been accused of committing crimes against humanity and possibly genocide against the Uyghur population and other mostly-Muslim ethnic groups in the northwestern region of Xinjiang in China.

“Sitting on the sidelines as the CCP commits genocide and human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang means we are complicit,” Rep. Kim said. “We must show through our words and our actions that we condemn the CCP’s repeated coercion, disinformation, and abuse in all forms and stand for freedom.”

The committee-approved Uyghur Policy Act of 2023, H.R. 2766, would create a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to raise international awareness of the persecution of Uyghurs, direct the U.S. State Department to effectively respond to human rights challenges in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and address the CCP’s efforts to silence Uyghur voices, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kim’s staff.

“The Uyghur Policy Act equips the U.S. with the tools needed to support the basic human rights and distinct identities of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities subject to inhumane treatment,” said Rep. Kim. “I will continue to firmly push back against the CCP’s abuses and support human rights and freedom around the world.” 

H.R. 2766, which Rep. Kim introduced on April 20 alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), currently has 102 cosponsors and now heads to the full chamber for consideration.