We are dedicated to advocating for Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur and philanthropist who has been unjustly detained since 2016 by the People’s Republic of China. Charged with “inciting ethnic hatred and ethnic discrimination,” Ekpar was sentenced to 15 years in prison after participating in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program in the United States. His case is emblematic of the grave human rights violations facing the Uyghur community.
Standing at the forefront of this effort is Advocates, who remain steadfast in our support for Ekpar and his sister, Rayhan Asat. Rayhan, Harvard Law’s first Uyghur LLM graduate, has courageously shared her brother’s story, transforming personal hardship into a global campaign for justice and awareness.
In collaboration with over 70 student organisations across Harvard University, we have taken significant actions to highlight Ekpar’s plight. Our initiatives include organising impactful panel discussions, drafting open letters to the U.S. government, and engaging with international human rights bodies to demand Ekpar’s immediate and unconditional release.
As we continue our efforts, we invite others to join us in this vital call for justice. Our work aims not only to reunite Ekpar with his family but also to uphold the fundamental human rights for all.
Please read below to find more information.
Joint Statement – Call to Free Ekpar Asat and End Mass Atrocities Against the Uyghur Community in Xinjiang
It’s been 6 years since Uyghur entrepreneur and philanthropist Ekpar Asat was imprisoned by the PRC. We call for Ekpar’s release so that he can be reunited with his family, who are gravely concerned for his health and well-being. #WithoutJustCause pic.twitter.com/ro72TADrSi
— State Department: Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor (@StateDRL) March 8, 2023