resolution motion, 7 October 2024
On the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas.
Motion B-10-2024-0101 · (2024/2857(RSP))
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group · Rapporteur: Erik Marquardt, Ville Niinistö, Anna Cavazzini, Markéta Gregorová, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Marie Toussaint, Kira Marie PeterHansen, Rasmus Nordqvist, Villy Søvndal, Catarina Vieira, Majdouline Sbai
AI:In short
The resolution urges China to release unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas, and to stop harassing their families. It condemns repression in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and calls for the release of all arbitrarily detained activists. It also condemns extraterritorial repression, calls on member states to suspend extradition treaties with China, and stresses consequences for EU-China relations. It welcomes the EU forced labour import ban and insists on adequate financing for its implementation.
Key points
- Urges China to immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas, and to stop harassing their families.
- Urges China to respect and restore families' rights to visit detainees, including virtual communication.
- Urges China to cease brutal repression in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and to release all arbitrarily detained activists, listing many names.
- Condemns extraterritorial repression against Chinese dissidents or the Uyghur community abroad.
- Calls on member states to suspend extradition treaties with China.
- Recalls that China sanctioned 5 MEPs, the DROI subcommittee, national MPs and think tanks in response to EU human rights sanctions, and that those sanctions are still in place.
- Stresses that the deterioration of human rights in China will have consequences for bilateral EU-China relations.
- Expresses disappointment about the latest EU-China Human Rights Dialogue and that the EU did not demand information on Tohti's health as a precondition.
- Welcomes the EU forced labour import ban and insists on adequate financing for its implementation.
- Alarmed at the increase of exports from Xinjiang to the EU by 140% this year.
- Condemns Volkswagen's claims that its Xinjiang factories are forced-labour-free and that the audit failed to meet international standards.
Who is affected
- China (PRC) is urged to release detainees and stop repression.
- Member states are called on to suspend extradition treaties with China.
- Volkswagen is condemned for its claims about its Xinjiang factories.
Figures and deadlines
Written by AI from the full text · every figure comes from the text · ¶ opens the paragraph · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem
Full text
Text 15 paragraphs
B100101/2024
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas.
(2024/2857(RSP))
The European Parliament,
having regard to Rules 150 of its Rules of Procedure;
A. whereas the UN attested that the serious and systemic human rights violations against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang may amount to crimes against humanity;
B. whereas on 23 September 2014, Uyghur economist and human rights activist Ilham Tohti was sentenced to life due to his work to foster dialogue and understanding between Uyghurs and Han Chinese; whereas his imprisonment marked the start of the “Strike Hard Campaign against Violent Terrorism” in Xinjiang; whereas he was awarded the European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2019;
C. whereas Gulshan Abbas went missing in 2018; whereas there were credible indications she had been sentenced to 20 years in prison in a secret trial, most likely in retaliation for the human rights advocacy conducted by her sister, Rushan Abbas, on behalf of the Uyghurs;
1. Urges the PRC to immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas, and to stop harassing their families; urges the PRC to respect and restore families’ rights to visit detainees, including virtual communication;
2. Urges the PRC to cease the brutal repression in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and to release all arbitrarily detained activists, among others, Ekpar Asat, Rahile Dawut, Jimmy Lai, Chow Hang-tung, Anya Sengdra, Chadrel Rinpoche, Chen Yunfei, Ding Jiaxi, Ding Yuande, Gao Zhisheng, Go Sherab Gyatso, Golog Palden, He Fangmei, Huang Qi, Huang Xueqin, Hushtar Isa, Yalkun Isa, Li Yanhe, Peng Lifa, Qin Yongming, Qin Yongpei, Ruan Xiaohuan, Semkyi Dolma, Tashi Dorje, Tashpolat Tiyip, Wang Bingzhang, Wang Jianbing, Pastor Wang Yi, Kamile Wayit, Xu Na, Xu Qin, Xu Yan, Xu Zhiyong, Yang Henjung, Yang Maodong, Yu Wensheng, and Pastor Zhang Chunlei and Zhang Zhan;
3. Condemns the extraterritorial repression against Chinese dissidents or the Uyghur community abroad; calls on the Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC;
4. Stresses that, in March 2021, the EU adopted human rights sanctions against Chinese officials and entities responsible for the violations against Uyghurs; recalls that China immediately and unjustifiably sanctioned 5 MEPs, the DROI subcommittee, national MPs and prominent think tanks among others, and that those sanctions are still in place;
5. Stresses that the continuous and serious deterioration of human rights in China will have consequences for the bilateral EU-China relations; expresses strong disappointment about the latest EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, the fact that the EU did not demand information on Tohti’s health conditions as a pre-condition;
6. Welcomes the adoption of a forced labour import ban by the EU and insists on the allocation of adequate financing for its implementation; is alarmed at the increase of exports from Xinjiang to the EU by 140% this year; condemns the unfounded claims by Volkswagen that its Xinjiang factories are forced-labour-free and that the audit failed to meet international standards;
7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the PRC and the UN.