Uyghur and Hong Kong Communities Urge Ireland to Prioritise Human Rights in Talks with Chinese Foreign Minister

Dublin: The Uyghur and Hong Kong diaspora in Ireland has called on the Irish government to prioritise human rights concerns in its discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In an open letter released on Monday, the communities urged Irish officials to address issues of transnational repression, mass detentions, and political persecution linked to the Chinese government.

The letter, shared by Irish journalist Finbarr Bermingham on social media platform X, expressed deep concerns about increasing harassment and surveillance of dissidents by Chinese state actors. It highlighted fears among exiled Uyghurs and Hong Kongers in Ireland, many of whom worry about their families’ safety both locally and abroad due to China’s growing influence.

The diaspora communities emphasised Ireland’s historical commitment to human rights, urging the government to take a firm stance against Beijing’s actions in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. They specifically called for Ireland to condemn China’s alleged genocide against the Uyghurs, the suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong, and the politically motivated imprisonment of activists.

The letter also demanded the release of high-profile political prisoners, including Jimmy Lai, the jailed Hong Kong media tycoon, and Rahile Dawut, an Uyghur academic detained in China. Additionally, they pressed for diplomatic pressure regarding the case of Swedish citizen Gui Minhai, who has been imprisoned in China for nearly a decade.

A key point of concern raised was Ireland’s trade relationship with China, with the letter criticising what it described as a prioritisation of economic interests over human rights. The signatories urged the Irish government to make clear that its diplomatic engagements should not come at the expense of moral responsibility. They also pointed to Hong Kong’s involvement in transhipment activities that allegedly help China evade EU sanctions on Russia, urging Ireland to take a principled stance on the matter.

Concluding their appeal, the Uyghur and Hong Kong communities called on Ireland to uphold its longstanding advocacy for global justice. They stressed that Minister Wang Yi’s visit presented an opportunity for Ireland to reinforce its commitment to defending human rights and resisting repression, demonstrating leadership on the international stage.

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