Protection from Persecution: Establishing Humanitarian Pathways for Hong Kongers and Uyghurs

The hearing also aims to be a catalyst for passage of legislation offered in the 117th Congress to extend protections for Hong Kongers and Uyghurs facing a well-founded fear of persecution, including legislation offered by CECC Commissioners.

The Chinese government not only continues to repress its people but also seeks the repatriation of those searching for protection elsewhere. It has sought the forcible return of Uyghurs and Kazakhs from Kazakhstan and Thailand, and reportedly threatened to withhold COVID-19 vaccines until the Turkish government turned over Uyghurs. In Hong Kong, those seeking refuge abroad face arrests and exit bans. 

This hearing will examine the threats faced by those seeking protection from persecution inside and outside of China and the Chinese government’s obligations to protect asylum seekers under international law. In addition, the hearing will explore the authorities available to the Administration and the international community to protect the people of Hong Kong, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and others. 

The hearing also aims to be a catalyst for passage of legislation offered in the 117th Congress to extend protections for Hong Kongers and Uyghurs facing a well-founded fear of persecution, including legislation offered by CECC Commissioners, such as the following: 

• Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, S. 295, H.R. 461 
• Hong Kong People’s Freedom and Choice Act, H.R. 4276 
• Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act, S. 1080, H.R. 1630 

The hearing will be livestreamed on the CECC’s YouTube Channel. 

Witnesses: 

Panel 1 

Members of Congress to be determined 

Panel 2 

Olivia Enos, Senior Policy Analyst, The Heritage Foundation 

Sunny Cheung, Advisor, Hong Kong Democracy Council 

Tahir Hamut Izgil, Uyghur poet and filmmaker