| This week we publish new reporting about the persecution of the 12m members of China’s Uyghur minority at home and abroad. Even those outside the huge network of official “re-education” camps in the western region of Xinjiang have to attend indoctrination sessions. Families must watch other families, and report suspicious behaviour. Hundreds of thousands of Uyghur children may have been separated from one or both detained parents. Rules against having too many children are strictly enforced on Uyghur women; some are sterilised. In two prefectures the Uyghur birth rate fell by more than 60% between 2015 and 2018. Uyghurs abroad fear calling home lest they cause a loved one to be arrested. This amounts to the most extensive violation today of the principle that individuals have a right to liberty and dignity simply because they are people. Democracy and human rights are in retreat around the world. Eighty countries have regressed since the pandemic began, and only Malawi has improved. Resistance to this erosion of human rights should begin with the Uyghurs. If liberal countries say nothing about them, how can anyone believe their criticism of other, lesser abuses? | 
