Uyghur Policy Act of 2023

Throughout the bill, references to 'Uyghurs' are expanded to include 'other ethnic and religious minority groups' in the XUAR, broadening who the Act is designed to protect.

Finding (4) removed the reference to Article One of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights stating that all peoples have the right to self-determination.

Section 6(a) was changed from a non-binding 'sense of Congress' statement into a requirement that the Secretary of State develop a strategy within 180 days of enactment, in consultation with other federal departments and agencies, to pressure China to close detention facilities, allow access for independent media and researchers, and protect human rights.

Section 3 now names three specific political prisoners (Ekper Asat, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Kamile Wayit) who Congress says should be immediately and unconditionally released.

Section 8 was changed from a 'sense of Congress' statement into a directive that the President should instruct the US Permanent Representative to the UN to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States on XUAR human rights issues.

Section 3 adds a new item requiring the PRC to facilitate access for international humanitarian organizations, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to political reeducation centers.

A new Section 6(b) requires the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within 1 year detailing the strategy developed and all steps taken toward its objectives.

Section 7 adds a new reporting requirement: the Foreign Service Institute must submit annual reports to Congress for 2 years outlining steps taken to ensure Uyghur language training and staffing at diplomatic posts in China.

A new Section 9 states that no additional funds are authorized to carry out the Act's requirements; they must be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.

Section 5 funding language was broadened: speakers may now address 'global public diplomacy forums, particularly those in which Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries and other Muslim-majority countries are present' rather than being limited to forums in OIC countries and other regions.

Section 3 was retitled from 'Declarations of policy' to 'Sense of Congress' and restructured; language was tightened in several places (e.g., 'take tangible steps to protect and preserve' instead of 'seek to ensure the preservation of').