Right now, as we celebrate Religious Freedom Day in the United States, an unprecedented attack against this fundamental right is occurring in China. The most prominent example of China's harsh crackdown on religious freedom is its program of repression against Uyghurs, a traditionally Muslim ethnic group. China has incarcerated 1-3 million Uyghurs who are guilty of no crime other than maintaining a distinct religious and cultural identity. Jewher Ilham is familiar with the tragic consequences of China's crackdown. She is the daughter of Ilham Tohti, a well-known Uyghur scholar who sought to promote reconciliation between Han Chinese and Uyghurs in China. In 2014, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his work, and he remains a prisoner of conscience. As we celebrate Religious Freedom Day, come hear Jewher speak about her father's case, the ongoing events in the Uyghur region, and the importance of religious freedom.
Jewher Ilham has lived in the United States since 2013 and recently graduated from Indiana University. She has been working tirelessly for her father's release. Jewher has testified before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and has spoken at the 2019 State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom as well as the United Nations.
FRC President Tony Perkins, who also serves as Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, will offer opening remarks.