The Role of International NGOs in Uyghur Muslim Humanitarian Issues
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Abstract
The issue of oppression and brutality against Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region seems to have no end in sight. Various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have come forward to provide humanitarian aid activities for these affected groups. The campaigns, contributions, and commitments invigorated by the NGOs participating in this issue pose themselves as a challenge to the Chinese government. In light of this longstanding issue, the main goal of this study is to explore the role and form of assistance implemented by various NGO groups to help the Uyghur Muslims involved and to identify the differences in their approach to the issue. This study is based on a qualitative approach, which involves an in-depth analysis of documents and information regarding five international NGOs from Malaysia, Türkiye, the United States, and two Uyghur Muslims. The findings of this study demonstrate that the various forms of humanitarian aids and contributions—in the economic, educational, social, and health aspects—have been considerably successful. The success of their efforts can be observed in the forms of gradually increased awareness of the humanitarian issues faced by Uyghur Muslims among Malaysian, Turkish, and other Muslim communities around the globe.
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