L'Observatoire du Silence
an observatory of selective attention
Crisis · Uyghurs

Uyghurs — mass detention, China (2017–present)

Uyghurs — mass detention, China (2017–present)
1M+
estimated in detention or "vocational training" (UN OHCHR 2022)
2017
mass internment begins
Xinjiang
region placed under comprehensive surveillance
UN
found "serious human rights violations" in 2022

Since 2017, the Chinese government has detained an estimated one million or more Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang in what it calls "vocational education and training centers." In August 2022, the UN OHCHR published a report finding "serious human rights violations" constituting possible crimes against humanity. The U.S. and several parliaments (including the EU Parliament) have declared it a genocide. China denies the characterization, describing the facilities as counter-terrorism measures. Mass surveillance, forced labor, separation of families, and restrictions on religious practice have been extensively documented.

Sources
This page contains only factual information from identified official or institutional sources. It does not express any editorial position. Figures are attributed to their source; disputed estimates are presented as such.