Bill Overview
Title: To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill addresses human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and other minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may, subject to appropriations, make certain funds available to human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups persecuted in China. The funds, if made available, shall be used to facilitate the presence of such human rights advocates at public diplomacy forums to speak on issues related to the human rights and religious freedoms of minority groups persecuted in China. The State Department must ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers. It must also ensure that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in China.
Sponsors: Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-39]
Target Audience
Population: Uyghurs and other minority groups in Xinjiang
Estimated Size: 10000
- The primary population impacted by this bill are the Uyghurs, a Turkic ethnic group primarily residing in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China.
- The bill addresses human rights issues specific to the Uyghurs and other minority groups in Xinjiang, such as Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Tartars, who are facing similar persecutions.
- Human rights advocates working on behalf of these groups will also be directly impacted as they may receive support through the funds made available by the bill.
- U.S. Foreign Service officers dealing with China will be impacted through education provisions like Uyghur language training to better perform their duties.
Reasoning
- The primary target population in the U.S. includes Chinese expatriates and the Uyghur diaspora who are concerned about human rights violations in Xinjiang. These groups would benefit from advocacy and diplomatic efforts put forward by the policy.
- U.S. citizens involved in human rights advocacy for Uyghurs could find increased opportunities and resources to support their efforts, indirectly impacting their well-being.
- Specialized functions such as Uyghur language training for Foreign Service officers imply a longer-term strategy to increase diplomatic engagement, affecting those in diplomatic careers.
Simulated Interviews
Human Rights Advocate (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy increases awareness and resources, which is crucial. It gives voice to those who need it the most.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Uyghur American Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need more policies like this. It gives us hope, but concrete results are what truly matter.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
University Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an essential step but not a complete solution. Education of diplomacy officers is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nonprofit Organizer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy support is crucial for sustained advocacy. However, it needs follow-up and accountability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Foreign Service Officer Trainee (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Learning the language and cultural nuances will definitely help in diplomacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Uyghur-American Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Provides a platform and resources critical for legal advocacy efforts. However, execution is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Chinese-American Community Leader (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act represents solidarity and cultural respect, yet its reach could be broader.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Industry Professional (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Elevating minority rights is important. The tech industry should be aware of the surveillance issues these minorities face.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Government Employee (Miami, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This adds value to our international relations practice, but must be managed effectively with tangible metrics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Journalist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An invaluable resource for us but will require continuous coverage to make real impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3100000 (Low: $2100000, High: $4100000)
Year 3: $3200000 (Low: $2200000, High: $4200000)
Year 5: $3400000 (Low: $2400000, High: $4400000)
Year 10: $3600000 (Low: $2600000, High: $4600000)
Year 100: $3600000 (Low: $2600000, High: $4600000)
Key Considerations
- Funding is contingent on appropriations, which could vary annually based on Congressional approval.
- The establishment of new positions and training programs could have nuanced impacts on diplomatic operations.
- Although primarily focused on human rights advocacy, the bill might influence broader U.S.-China relations.