Since 2017, Uighur Muslims in China have been forced into internment camps located within XinJiang. The Uighurs have been detained and subject to torture, sexual assault, compulsory sterilzation, and forced labor. Religious monuments and buildings have been actively demolished by the Chinese government as well. Yet the mistreatment of these minority communities has been overlooked for years. However, while 2021 has already been a year full of historical events, the United States’ decision to deem this abuse as a genocide should not be overlooked.

On January 19, 2021, the Trump Administration condemned the Chinese government for its crimes and genocide of the Uighur Muslims and other religious minorities. Many critics argue that this statement was made far too late considering the fact that the Trump administration had been aware of these events in Xinjiang for the last three years. Regardless, this declaration from the Trump Administration is one that will be upheld by the Biden Administration as well. Ultimately, this means that the United States and 38 other countries in the UN have now vocalized their condemnation of China’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

As Biden takes over the presidential seat, he continues to push forth an idea of preserving democracy and protecting human rights around the globe. Furthermore, deeming the internment of Uighurs in China as a genocide is especially crucial when considering U.S involvement. The act of classifying something as a “genocide” ellicits strong government responses, implying that the U.S. will no longer stay silent on this violent breach of human rights. As the United States has finally declared its support for Uighur Muslims, many victims finally feel as if their voices are being heard. The U.S. government has yet to reveal the steps and measures it plans to take in order to address these issues head on, but many activists and experts hope for new legislation in Congress and wish for the U.S. to open up its borders for asylum seekers. Until those decisions are made, condemning China’s crimes as a genocide finally paves the way for the U.S. to take action ensuring Uighur muslims and religious minorities in China receive justice.