Uyghur Policy Act of 2025

The Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 aims to support the human rights and safeguard the distinct identity of Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups primarily residing in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). It acknowledges extensive findings detailing the People's Republic of China's (PRC) repression, including mass arbitrary detention, "political reeducation" centers, and human rights abuses, which have been declared as genocide and crimes against humanity. The bill expresses a Sense of Congress urging the PRC to immediately open the XUAR to international scrutiny, cease repression, and release political prisoners. The legislation mandates the Secretary of State to strengthen United States coordination on Uyghur issues by prioritizing policies and programs to support these communities. This includes promoting their distinct identity and human rights, maintaining close contact with Uyghur leaders, and coordinating efforts for the release of political prisoners. The Secretary is also directed to administer aid to Uyghur rights advocates, coordinate with foreign ministries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and address transnational repression against Uyghurs globally. Additionally, the bill authorizes specific funding for human rights advocates to conduct public diplomacy, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, to raise awareness about the Uyghur situation. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to pressure the PRC to close all detention facilities and allow unhindered international access for human rights assessments. The act also ensures Uyghur language training for Foreign Service officers and directs the President to use U.S. influence at the United Nations to address human rights violations in the XUAR and support a special rapporteur.