Rafto Prize Speech

Nury Turkel

The President of UAA

Nury Turkel, President of the Uyghur American Association, delivered the following speech at the Rafto Award ceremony on November 7, 2004 in Bergen, Norway.

Good evening ladies and gentleman, distinguished guests:

We are here tonight to pay tribute to the work of my inspiration and personal hero. It is a true honor to speak before you at this historic event to recognize Madam Rebiya Kadeer's personal and family sacrifices. On behalf of Madam Rebiya, her family, and all Uyghurs, I sincerely wish to thank the Rafto Foundation.

Unfortunately, despite their strong desire to attend these ceremonies, her husband and children could not join us. Of course, it is even more disappointing that Madam Rebiya cannot accept the award in person, as a free woman. Indeed, as her communication with the outside world has been cut off, and she is not allowed to have visitors, it will probably be a long time before she is made aware of the fact that she received such an honor. I doubt her captors would want to give her such reason for hope.

After learning about what Madam Rebiya was arrested for, it may come as a shock to you that someone could be treated so harshly for such petty “crimes.” However, let me make something clear: Madam Rebiya was not arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison simply because of her so-called separatist activities, but rather because she offered something to the Uyghurs that China never has: Hope. Pride and hope.

Once praised as a model, Chinese authorities came to realize that all Uyghurs revered her too much, that they began to think of her as a national mother, and they could not tolerate such a positive force. She was a voice for poor and powerless. And that is why I believe the Communists felt compelled to silence her.

Of course, they never counted on the world caring about her. They thought they could lock the door and throw away the key, as they have done to so many Uyghurs, Tibetans, Mongolians, and Chinese before her. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to suffer what she has suffered during her incarceration. However, I have spoken with her husband at great length, and I think that if she were here tonight, she would say this:

First, she would say that she wished she was not receiving this award, that it would be better if East Turkistan did not face horrible human rights conditions it does, and there was no need for human rights activism.

Second, I think she would also insist that this award is not for her, but for all Uyghurs. The Rafto Prize is recognition of our plight, and recognition of the difficulties our people face. For that she would be grateful.

It would fill her heart with joy, as it does mine, to know that Uyghurs need only let the world know what is going on, and the world will respond.

Obviously, there is much work to be done. However, I believe over the past two years we have reached a turning point, and that China now knows it cannot count on the world ignoring its actions in East Turkistan.

I would like to sincerely thank the many people and organizations that are responsible for raising the level of awareness.

First, I would like to thank the Rafto Foundation again for its courageous decision to honor Madam Rebiya. This award will make a difference, and will help our efforts to free her. Recognition of her plight is so important, because she is a symbol of all Uyghurs, and our struggle for human rights, democracy and human dignity. The Chinese government, historically, is susceptible to pressure. The more awareness we raise, the more awkward it becomes for China to continue to detain her.

Of course, tonight would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of human rights organizations worldwide that have raised awareness of her detention. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both done so much to promote her case, and I would like to thank them. Their work is crucial in our effort to let the world know just what is happening in East Turkistan.

We would also like to thank the National Endowment for Democracy, who has made it possible for my organization, the Uyghur American Association, to conduct human rights violations research with our new Uyghur Human Rights Project.

NED, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Rafto Foundation have, much to the surprise and disappointment of the Chinese authorities, made Uyghurs a prominent part of the China human rights dialogue. They have given our people a voice, where before we had none. Furthermore, they have given us courage, and they have given us hope.

This award is a culmination of our combined efforts. It does not recognize the realization of our goals, but is simply further recognition that the world cares about Uyghurs.

Tonight, I call on China, in recognition of this award, to take this historic opportunity to show its goodwill toward Uyghur people, and immediately and unconditionally release Madam Rebiya Kadeer, and all other political prisoners such as Dr. Tohti Muzart and Mr. Metrozi Mehmet Tohti, and many others who are languishing in Chinese prisons.

The world can ask for, and expect, no less.

Thank you and good night.