Uyghur Linguist’s Presentation Canceled at UNESCO Summit Amid Concerns of Chinese Influence

Abduweli Ayup, a prominent Uyghur linguist and human rights advocate, had his scheduled presentation canceled at a United Nations-hosted language technology conference on February 25, 2025, sparking concerns about external pressures, particularly from China, VOA reported. Ayup, who has been vocal about the suppression of the Uyghur language and culture, was set to discuss the plight of Uyghurs but received notice of the cancellation just hours before his talk.

UNESCO attributed the cancellation to “chaotic” planning, stating that it was a logistical setback rather than a political decision. However, Ayup and supporters suggest that Chinese influence may have played a role, especially after he questioned Chinese representatives about their language policies during the conference.

The incident has drawn criticism from human rights activists, who argue that it reflects ongoing efforts to silence discussions about Uyghur repression. Ayup’s experience highlights broader concerns regarding freedom of speech at UN-related events, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics involving China.