Raising Global Consciousness: Uyghur Human Rights, State-Sponsored Slavery, and Transnational Repression

This talk will examine the ongoing genocide and human rights crisis faced by the Uyghur people in their homeland (Xinjiang), focusing on state-sponsored modern slavery and how forced labour permeates global supply chains — from textiles and agriculture to renewable energy. Rahima will also explore China’s transnational repression, which seeks to silence Uyghur voices abroad through intimidation, surveillance, and collective punishment. Finally, she will discuss the profound implications for academic freedom and moral responsibility, urging universities and policymakers to uphold ethical research partnerships and defend truth in scholarship.

Rahima Mahmut is an Uyghur human rights activist, interpreter and translator, and singer. She became Executive Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide in 2020, after spending years building a cross-community coalition pushing for greater action on the on-going genocide of her people. Rahima is also currently UK Director of the World Uyghur Congress, and Advisor to the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).

This in‑person event will take place in Amory C417. Please register here to reserve your place and help us plan refreshments as tea and coffee will be served.

Please contact researchnetworks@exeter.ac.uk for more information.