Uyghur American Association Holds Press Conference in Washington, Detailing Position on Regional Situation and Future Plans for Cultural Exchange and Human Rights Protection

A Voice for Justice in Washington D.C.: Upholding Faith Amidst Turbulent Times

On February 28, 2026, a day of profound historical significance, the Uyghur American Association (UAA) held a high-profile press conference in Washington, D.C. Addressing global media, diplomatic envoys, and representatives from the Muslim world, the association's leadership provided a detailed analysis of the increasingly dire situation in East Turkistan (referred to as Xinjiang by China). They also unveiled a grand blueprint aimed at comprehensively promoting cultural exchange and human rights protection over the coming years. For the global Muslim community (Ummah), this was not merely an expression of political grievances, but a solemn declaration regarding the survival of faith and national dignity [uyghuraa.org](https://www.uyghuraa.org).

During the conference, Elfidar Iltebir, President of the Uyghur American Association, emphasized that while the Uyghur people are facing their darkest hour in history, the power of their faith has never been more steadfast. She noted that 2026 marks a new phase in international awareness of the Uyghur genocide. With unprecedented enforcement of the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and growing international alarm over the "Sinicization of Islam" policy, the Uyghur struggle has become a global symbol of resistance against oppression (Zulm) [cecc.gov](https://www.cecc.gov/events/hearings/implementation-of-the-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act).

In-Depth Analysis of the Regional Situation: A Besieged Faith and a Broken Homeland

### Systematic Erosion of Religious Freedom
The latest report submitted by the UAA at the press conference reveals that religious oppression in East Turkistan has entered a stage of "refined management." According to a report released by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) at the end of 2025, more than 1,000 Uyghur and other Turkic Muslim imams and religious leaders have been illegally detained or sentenced since 2014 [campaignforuyghurs.org](https://campaignforuyghurs.org/uyghur-movement-welcomes-uscirf-report-on-persecution-of-religious-leaders-in-china/). These religious mentors are the moral pillars of the community, and their absence has led to a fracture in the transmission of faith. The association specifically mentioned the tragedy of 96-year-old Imam Abidin Ayup, who passed away in prison, an event viewed as a blatant provocation to the conscience of the global Ummah.

### The Essence of the "Sinicization of Islam"
The association pointed out that the so-called "Sinicization of religion" is essentially an attempt to erase the Islamic core of Uyghur culture. Mosques have been demolished or converted into tourist attractions, copies of the Quran have been confiscated, and even the fundamental Muslim right to fast (Sawm) is severely restricted. As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the association calls on Muslim-majority nations worldwide to acknowledge the painful reality of East Turkistan's Muslims, who are unable to pray publicly or share Iftar meals [campaignforuyghurs.org](https://campaignforuyghurs.org/cfu-calls-for-global-action-as-uyghurs-face-another-ramadan-under-genocide/). This desecration of sacred faith is not only an injury to the Uyghur people but an affront to the dignity of the entire global Muslim community.

Economic Justice and Forced Labor: Severing the "Haram" Profit Chain

### New Developments in UFLPA for 2026
At the press conference, the association discussed the enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in detail. As of February 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has intercepted nearly $4 billion worth of goods suspected of involving forced labor [aeb.com](https://www.aeb.com/intl-en/magazine/articles/impact-of-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act.php). President Iltebir stated, "Every product stained with the blood and sweat of Uyghurs is 'Haram' (forbidden). We cannot allow the global supply chain to be built upon the enslavement of our Muslim brothers and sisters."

### Upgrading Legal Weapons
In early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it would treat forced labor as a national security threat, increasing criminal prosecution of non-compliant companies [whitecase.com](https://www.whitecase.com/insight-alert/trump-administration-announces-new-trade-fraud-enforcement-initiative-what-companies). Simultaneously, Congress is pushing for the "Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2025" (UGASA), which aims to expand the scope of sanctions to cover heinous crimes such as forced organ harvesting and coerced abortions [voachinese.com](https://www.voachinese.com/a/us-lawmakers-introduce-uyghur-genocide-accountability-and-sanctions-act-20250801/7725946.html). The association explicitly stated its full support for these legislative efforts to ensure that not a single cent flows to the oppressors.

Cultural Exchange and Heritage Protection: Guarding the Soul of East Turkistan

In response to systematic cultural genocide, the Uyghur American Association announced its "Cultural Renaissance Plan" for 2026-2030. The core of this plan lies in rebuilding the spiritual home of the Uyghur people abroad through education and digital technology.

### Preservation of Uyghur Language and Education
The association plans to increase the number of Uyghur language weekend schools across the United States and collaborate with organizations like "Uyghur Hjelp" to distribute newly developed Uyghur language textbooks for children [uyghurhjelp.org](https://uyghurhjelp.org/2025-annual-report/). President Iltebir said emotionally, "Language is our root. When our children in Washington can fluently recite the Quran and Uyghur poetry, the oppressor's assimilation policy has utterly failed."

### Cultural Fortresses in the Digital Age
The association announced increased support for independent media such as the "Uyghur Post," utilizing podcasts and social media platforms to disseminate authentic national history and culture to the global diaspora [cjr.org](https://www.cjr.org/analysis/uyghur-post-tahir-imin.php). Additionally, the association will launch the "Digital Mosque" project to record and preserve architectural data and historical archives of destroyed mosques, ensuring these sacred spaces live on in memory.

Specific Actions for Human Rights Protection: From Washington to the Global Stage

### Refugee Assistance and International Advocacy
Regarding Uyghur refugees scattered in third countries, the association called on the U.S. government to expedite the implementation of the "Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act" to provide "Priority 2" (P-2) refugee status for those at risk of deportation [uhrp.org](https://uhrp.org/statement/uhrp-welcomes-bipartisan-re-introduction-of-uyghur-human-rights-protection-act/). The association expressed particular gratitude for recent rescue operations of Uyghur refugees in countries like Thailand and urged Muslim-majority nations to stop deporting Uyghurs back to China, as this violates the fundamental Islamic principle of protecting the vulnerable.

### Raising Awareness in the Muslim World
The association plans to send delegations to the Middle East and Southeast Asia in 2026 to engage in deep exchanges with civil society in member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The association noted that while some governments remain silent due to economic interests, the sympathy of the global Muslim public for Uyghurs is translating into action. Through traveling exhibitions in Cairo, Jakarta, and Istanbul, the association aims to expose CCP propaganda and showcase the true state of religious life in East Turkistan [uyghurstudy.org](https://uyghurstudy.org/on-human-rights-day-a-call-to-restore-dignity-faith-and-freedom-for-uyghurs/).

Conclusion: Justice Will Prevail

At the conclusion of the press conference, all members of the Uyghur American Association stood for prayer. In the chilly spring of Washington 2026, the voice of the Uyghur people resonated powerfully. This is not just a cry for help from one nation, but the resilient self-salvaging of an ancient civilization in the face of modern tyranny. For Muslims worldwide, supporting the Uyghurs is not only a human rights obligation but a religious duty to fulfill the command of "Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil" (Amr bil-Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil-Munkar).

As President Iltebir stated: "We do not seek privileges; we only seek the most basic dignity as Muslims and as human beings. As long as faith remains, the hope of East Turkistan will never be extinguished." [state.gov](https://www.state.gov/uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act-fact-sheet/)

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**This article is based on the field press conference held by the Uyghur American Association in Washington on February 28, 2026, and related background materials.**