The below article was published by BNN, photo credit: AP
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an influential group of 57 Muslim-majority countries, is under fire for its alleged indifference towards the ongoing genocide of Turkic Muslims in East Turkistan, a region recognized by China as Xinjiang. The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE), along with various human rights advocates, has castigated the OIC’s apparent apathy, labeling it as a ‘flagrant betrayal’ of Islamic principles and human rights.
Chinese Atrocities in East Turkistan
Reports of systemic oppression against the Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim communities in East Turkistan have been surfacing for years now. The atrocities are said to include forced sterilization, destruction of cultural sites, infanticide, and forced abortions. It is estimated that millions are imprisoned in so-called ‘reeducation camps,’ which some critics have likened to concentration camps.
OIC’s Silence and Strengthening Ties with China
The OIC’s silence on these atrocities has been pronounced. Far from condemning China’s actions, the OIC seems to be moving towards strengthening its ties with Beijing. This was recently underlined by a meeting between OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha and a senior Chinese communist leader. Notably, the discussion centered on bilateral relations and did not touch upon the plight of Muslims in East Turkistan.
The Role of OIC Member States
The OIC’s stance, or lack thereof, is further complicated by the positions of some of its member states. Countries like Saudi Arabia have openly endorsed China’s actions in East Turkistan. Beijing has even been invited to premier OIC events, a gesture that seems at odds with the alleged attempt to eliminate its Muslim population.
China’s Defense and Accusations of Western Propaganda
On its part, China continues to defend its policies in East Turkistan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and state-run media have orchestrated a campaign to counter the accusations of genocide. They promote visits by international groups to the region, presenting them as evidence that charges of genocide are ‘lies.’ These, they claim, are merely part of a broader Western agenda to smear China’s global image.