Background:

While discrimination against Uyghur people in China stretches back decades, the mass surveillance and forced detention of an estimated million Uyghur since 2017 has been widely regarded as a cultural genocide. Originating from the Xinjiang region, Uyghurs are an ethnic minority in China, and the target of China’s Communist government to impose dramatic measures on their civil liberties.

Uyghur’s endure torture, enslavement, forced sterilisation, organ harvesting and family separation in the detention camps. They also make fabrics and garments for many household brands consumers know and love in this part of the world. Among them are: Apple, Gap, Nike, Puma, and Zara. However, as 20% of the world’s cotton comes from Uyghur forced labour, it is a systemic problem that is hard to trace in an unaccountable industry like fashion.

XR Fashion Action NL does not accept this.

Action:

As part of our Black Friday Rebellion weekend, we will come together again in solidarity with the Uyghur community to protest the genocide. We are honoured to welcome speakers from the community, as well as a live performance of the protest song ‘Made in China’ by Robin Bruisje and Jan Modaal.

Please bring banners and posters in solidarity with the cause – and bring a book!

Important: wear a facemask and keep 1.5m apart at all times.