The Socioeconomic Context of Uyghurs

Xinjiang, the Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, is rich in resources but has faced systematic dispossession over the last few decades. As China's economy opened up, state policies facilitated the influx of Han settlers, leading to a colonial-like dynamic where Uyghurs were marginalized and deprived of their resources. These settlers have driven up living costs for the local population, exacerbating income inequality and forcing many Uyghurs into cities where they face discrimination in employment and social access. This colonial process has contributed to rising tensions, resentment, and ultimately resulted in mass internment and forced labor of Uyghurs, depicting their plight as a significant crime against humanity.