No: 260, 2 August 2014

We learned with deep sorrow and concern that many people lost their lives or were injured in the events that occurred in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China on 28 July 2014. The number of casualties and wounded mentioned in reports from the region vary greatly, but apparently the vast majority of them were Uyghurs. Our citizens of Uyghur origin complain for lack of communication with their relatives in the region.

In this regard, we expect first and foremost that the authorities of the People's Republic of China to swiftly launch a transparent investigation into the events in question, seriously investigate their causes and find the responsibles whoever they may be.

We hope that peace and stability will prevail over the region and that such events will not occur again. In this context, it is important that the causes that lead to these events are eliminated and that the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Uyghurs, including their cultural rights and religious freedom are guaranteed.