OIC’s Support for China Sparks Outrage
Human rights organizations expressed outrage last week following a visit by Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to China. During his visit, he stated that the OIC maintains its strong support for China amid its ongoing persecution of Muslims in East Turkestan.
The Chinese Communist Party has systematically oppressed the indigenous populations of East Turkestan, now officially referred to as “Xinjiang.” This region has seen severe crackdowns since 2017—characterized by mass detentions, with estimates of up to three million people held in camps. Additionally, instances of forced sterilization and the destruction of cultural sites have been reported, targeting the predominantly Uyghur and other Turkic Muslim communities.
Evidence presented by journalists and human rights advocates indicates that these genocidal actions are not just local issues but sanctioned by China’s leader, Xi Jinping. Reports from 2018 suggest that he urged the Communist Party to “cut off the lineage” of local populations, actively striving to replace Islam with communist ideology.
Despite this, the OIC—created to advocate for Muslims globally—has chosen to cultivate amicable ties with China. Instead of denouncing the atrocities, Taha’s statements show the organization’s clear alignment with China’s policies in East Turkestan.
Taha mentioned his support for China after a meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, stating that the OIC would “resolutely” back China regarding the Xinjiang issue. A statement from the UN Office in China corroborated this sentiment, noting the OIC’s eagerness to deepen ties with China.
The backdrop here is Taiwan, which the Chinese government illegitimately claims as part of its territory. Taha faced direct pressure from Chinese officials, who underscored the importance of loyalty to the party as it pertains to broader geopolitical interests, including the situation in East Turkestan.
Taha’s conversations also extended to discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where assurances of mutual respect and cooperation were exchanged. Wang encouraged developing nations to engage further with China, despite its ongoing human rights violations against Muslims.
The visit incited backlash, particularly from the East Turkestan Government in Exile, which condemned the OIC’s support for China. They criticized the organization’s silence and complicity, highlighting what they see as a profound betrayal of its mission to defend oppressed Muslims.
The East Turkestan government also pointed out numerous human rights violations, including the destruction of mosques and repression of Islamic practices. They argue the Quran instructs Muslims to assist the oppressed, making the OIC’s actions even more concerning.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the World Uyghur Congress, which pointed out Taha’s neglect of human rights issues during his visit. They warned that strengthening ties with China fosters anxiety within the broader Muslim community as the Chinese government continues its genocidal policies unchecked.
The Center for Uyghur Studies echoed this alarm, stating that the ongoing violence against Muslims in East Turkestan is part of a systematic campaign to erase their cultural identity. They argued that the OIC’s support for China contradicts its foundational purpose of protecting Muslim rights globally, framing it as a tacit endorsement of religious erasure.
