China’s ‘Ethnic Unity’ law is already harming Uyghurs

Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, attends a U.S.-backed photo exhibit highlighting missing Uyghurs or those alleged to be held in Chinese-run camps outside the United Nations in Geneva in September 2021. | REUTERS

By Omer Kanat
The Diplomat

Aug 27, 2026

China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress has been in effect for more than one month. Beijing claims the law will foster cohesion and protect the rights of minorities. In reality, it is already doing the opposite.

Just over one month in, the law is already harming Uyghurs and other ethnic groups and dissidents. Governments must take decisive action to challenge the law and protect diaspora communities before it is too late.

As numerous sources have warned, the new law codifies a dramatic shift away from even the promise of regional autonomy, instead embedding Xi Jinping’s campaign of forced assimilation into nearly every facet of government and public life. In doing so, the law violates China’s own constitution.

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