Bill Overview
Title: Uyghur Policy Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to take various actions concerning the treatment of Uyghurs and other minority groups in China. For example, the bill requires the State Department to (1) support human rights advocates representing such groups speaking at public diplomacy forums, including in Muslim-majority countries; (2) ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers; and (3) support the appointment of a special rapporteur or working group at the United Nations to monitor and report on human rights violations and abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: Uyghurs and other minority groups in China
Estimated Size: 10000
- The bill directly addresses the situation of Uyghurs, a minority ethnic group primarily residing in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.
- As of 2021, it is estimated there are approximately 12 million Uyghurs living in China.
- The bill also includes other minority groups in China, indicating the broader potential impact on ethnic minorities in the region.
- By mandating the US Department of State to support human rights advocacy and training, international awareness and diplomatic actions concerning Uyghur rights are emphasized.
- Potential indirect impact includes increased diplomatic relations and influence concerning human rights with Muslim-majority countries.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on diplomatic and advocacy measures, primarily concerning international relations and awareness, as it does not directly alter living conditions or provide financial assistance in the US.
- The policy would likely have a low impact on the daily lives of most U.S. residents as it doesn't change domestic economic or social programs.
- Some individuals actively engaged in international human rights, particularly related to Uyghur or Chinese issues, may feel more directly impacted.
- Because the Uyghur population in the U.S. is relatively small, most people might only see minor effects through general media coverage or foreign policy discourse.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Service Officer (Washington D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could increase our cultural competency and our ability to communicate effectively with the local population in China.
- Training in Uyghur language and culture enriches our diplomatic skills.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Human Rights Advocate (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could empower those of us working to raise awareness about human rights abuses.
- Additional support in international forums is a crucial step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Journalist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a positive development that will enrich news reporting on the issue.
- The policy raises awareness and transparency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to support human rights, but I don't see it affecting my day-to-day life.
- Media coverage might increase, which is good for awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legal implications might be significant in shaping international law.
- This policy encourages transparency in legal proceedings related to human rights.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Uyghur-American Activist (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a vital acknowledgment of the struggles we face.
- It brings hope to our community that our voices are being heard internationally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Business Owner (Dallas, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I follow international policies, this doesn't directly impact my business.
- It's an important diplomatic move though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Raising international awareness is always a positive step.
- It's satisfying to see issues we advocate for being recognized.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with my academic interests in international human rights.
- A great case study for upcoming discussions and research.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Consultant (Boston, MA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While interesting, this policy is one of many similar measures to monitor.
- The impact on global politics will be telling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $11000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $13000000)
Year 3: $11500000 (Low: $9500000, High: $14000000)
Year 5: $12500000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 10: $13500000 (Low: $11000000, High: $16000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Key Considerations
- Administrative capacity and funding within the Department of State for implementing proposed actions.
- Geopolitical relations, particularly concerning human rights dialogue with China and Muslim-majority countries.
- Effectiveness of advocacy and effectiveness of UN rapporteur initiatives.
- Long-term commitment to language and training programs for Foreign Service officers.