28^th April 2021

On the 22^nd of April 2021, the UK parliament declared China to be perpetrating “crimes against humanity and genocide” against Uyghur Muslims and ethnic minorities in the country.

Almost one million Uyghur Muslims have been reported as being held in “re-education camps” in Xinjiang, China. Some reports such as Radio Free Asia, say the figure is closer to 1.8 million.

Survivors from these camps are continuing to report crimes of starvation, sexual abuse, torture, forced sterilisation and abortion, brainwashing, solitary confinement, forced labour particularly in the cotton industry, and the forcible separation of Uyghur children from their families.

The United States, Canada and the Netherlands have repeatedly condemned Beijing’s actions against Uyghurs and ethnic minorities. On Thursday, the House of Commons, approved a motion calling on the government to act to fulfil its obligations under international human rights law. This is the first time the UK has recognised a genocide as it is occurring.

Green Lane Masjid urges the government to continue in its efforts to eradicate the genocide of Uyghur Muslims.

“Muslims across the globe are now observing the blessed month of Ramadan. It is deeply upsetting to read reports of Uyghur Muslims living in fear of fasting and praying, and furthermore, having to pledge that they will turn in family members or friends who are fasting. It is a great travesty of basic human-rights, and our prayers remain with those who are being oppressed.

We urge the government to persist in action. We thank all those that have spoken out and worked tirelessly for the betterment of Uyghur Muslims.” [Mohammed Saeed, Chair of Trustees]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs; whoever brought his brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection.’

GLMCC Management

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979.  Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfils its mission of inspiring, educating and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, youth work, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque which is attended by thousands every week.

Recognised internationally, GLMCC is a multi-award-winning mosque, having won the 2019 British Muslim Award for Mosque of the Year and the Beacon Awards for ‘Best Run Mosque 2019 and ‘Best Covid Response 2020’.

For more information about or work and services visit: www.greenlanemasjid.org

Or access our annual report at 2019 Annual Report