Uyghur Exiles Challenge China's Colonial Rule at UN

On May 5, 2026, the East Turkistan Government-in-Exile (ETGE) and the East Turkistan National Movement (ETNM) submitted a petition to the UN Special Committee on Decolonization. This petition requests the recognition of East Turkistan as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, marking a significant legal challenge to China's sovereignty claims. The petition highlights the demographic changes in East Turkistan, where the native Turkic population has decreased from 90% to about 55% due to Chinese settlement policies. It argues that Chinese control lacks legitimacy, citing the absence of treaties or plebiscites. The petition follows years of reported human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples, including allegations of genocide and forced labor. The ETGE asserts that decolonization is essential for the survival of the Turkic peoples in the region. This unprecedented action aims to leverage international law for the rights of the affected populations.

Key Points: • The ETGE and ETNM filed a historic UN petition challenging China's colonial status over East Turkistan. • The petition cites a significant demographic shift, with native populations declining from 90% to 55%. • The filing follows years of reported human rights abuses, including genocide and forced labor against Uyghurs.