Kazakhstan: Update to KKT32921.E of 13 October 1999 on the treatment of Uighurs; whether they are targets of the government and if so, what protection is available

Although no information was found documenting the treatment of Uighurs who are citizens of Kazakhstan, several reports were found documenting the treatment of Uighurs in Kazakhstan from China (HRW 2000; ITHRA 2000; RNPK 6 Jan. 2000).

Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Akezhan M. Kazhegeldin, former Kazakh prime minister, both reported the 1999 incident of three Uighurs from China, who had sought political asylum in Kazakhstan, but were returned to China where they were reportedly executed (HRW 2000; RNPK 6 Jan. 2000). In his open letter to the leaders of the G-7 and Russia, Kazhegeldin stated that "despite its own large Uighur minority, Kazakhstan has shown no mercy towards ethnic Uighurs who have fled to the country in order to escape persecution in China" (ibid.). The International Taklamakan Human Rights Association (ITHRA) reported that 10 Uighurs from China had their bids for political asylum by the Taldikorgan Court in Kazakhstan refused on 20 March 2000 (2000). The 10 male Uighurs had initially applied for asylum in August 1999 after being detained by the Kazakh security forces (ibid.).

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) reported in April 2000 that Kazakhstan "curbs separatist activities on its territory by Uighurs," exiles from the largest ethnic group in China's Xinjiang province, to ensure stable relations with China (17 Apr. 2000).

In a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) report, Kakharman Khozhamberdi, leader of the Kazakh Association of Uighurs, stated at least 61 Uighurs had been executed on separatism charges in China in 1999 (16 Dec. 1999).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) [London]. 17 April 2000. "Kazakhstan: International Relations and Defence." (NEXIS)

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 2000. Human Rights Watch World Report 2000. [Accessed 15 May 2000]

International Taklamakan Human Rights Association (ITHRA). 2000. "Ten Uighurs Denied Political Asylum Face Torture and/or Execution on Return to China." [Accessed 15 May 2000]

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). 16 December 1999. Vol. 1, No. 46. Watchlist. "China Executed 61 Uighurs in 1999, Kazakh Uighur Says." [Accessed 15 May 2000]

Republican National Party of Kazakhstan (RNPK) Website. 6 January 2000. "The Open Letter of Akezhan M. Kazhegeldin to Leaders of the G-7 and Russia."

[Accessed 15 May 2000]

Additional Sources Consulted

Amnesty International Country File: Kazakhstan. 1999-2000.

Country Reports for Human Rights Practices for 1999

IRB Databases

World News Connection (WNC)

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

Human Rights Watch

International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Minorities at Risk Project

Minority Rights International Group

Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OCSE)

U.S. Committee for Refugees

U.S. Department of State Annual Report for International Religous Freedom 1999

The World Uyghur Network News