29-01-2025
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Chinese authorities close Uyghur wells
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT
Around the World: Chinese authorities close Uyghur farmers' water wells in southern Xinjiang, Nordic Council launches Arctic program prioritizing local communities, and a funding boost for Aboriginal cultural understanding in Western Australia schools.
Water wells deemed illegal by Chinese authorities have been shut down in three Uyghur villages located on the edge of a vast desert in Xinjiang, Radio Free Asia reported on Jan. 21.
Those who wished to dig wells were typically required to obtain permits. However, no permits were provided to the farmers, and there were no clear restrictions on constructing wells in the area.
The villages, including one named Achchiq, are situated in Yopurgha county, which is part of Kashgar prefecture. The county lies on the western edge of the massive Taklamakan Desert, an area nearly the size of Germany, and is predominantly inhabited by Uyghurs.
This news follows an investigation that revealed 46 illegal wells dug in another part of Xinjiang, many of which were constructed by Han Chinese settlers to cultivate cotton and vegetables, significantly depleting water resources. However, authorities have avoided cracking down on those wells.
Recent videos shared by Zumrat Dawut, a former detainee of a Uyghur internment camp now living in Virginia, USA, show the demolition of wells constructed by Uyghur farmers in Achchiq village.
In the videos, officials can be seen forcing farmers to fill in the wells they had previously dug as part of efforts to tackle the region's ongoing water scarcity crisis. Critics have described the actions as excessive and harmful to the local community.
When Radio Free Asia reached out to the security director of Achchiq village for confirmation, he stated that officials had indeed shut down 'illegal' wells in three villages.
'I was involved in closing wells in villages 6, 7, and 8,' he said.
The director mentioned that the well closures began in February 2024 but did not provide information about the potential effects on residents.
Another security director, based in Terim village in Yopurgha county, also confirmed that wells dug by Uyghurs there had been closed, forcing residents to purchase water from the Bingtuan, officially known as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.
An Arctic initiative launched by the Nordic Council will allocate 30 million Danish Kroner (approximately $2.66 million) over the next three years to focus on addressing social, economic and environmental challenges in Arctic regions, The Barents Observer reported on Jan. 25.
'For nearly three decades, the Nordic Council has been involved in Arctic affairs, supporting projects that tackle a wide range of issues,' Secretary General Karen Ellemann said. 'This new programme is an extension of our commitment to strengthening local communities and increasing resilience to climate change.'
The programme was announced just ahead of the Arctic Frontiers conference, which begins Jan. 27 in Tromsø, Norway, where the Nordic Arctic programme will officially be launched. Ellemann emphasized the importance of supporting northern communities as they navigate the increasingly complex impacts of environmental changes.
'Climate change is affecting communities in the Arctic, and it's essential that we focus on both the environmental and social aspects of resilience to ensure these communities are better equipped to adapt,' she said.
In addition to the broader Arctic programme, the council backed the Arctic Youth Conference, held in Tromsø from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26. Ellemann highlighted the significance of including youth perspectives in the conversation.
'We need to listen to young people who will inherit these challenges,' Ellemann said. 'Their perspectives will help shape the future of the Arctic, and I look forward to hearing from the youth representatives at the conference.'
The Nordic Council represents Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and Norway, as well as the autonomous regions of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland, an autonomous region of Finland.
Cultural awareness efforts are becoming increasingly prominent in classrooms throughout Western Australian schools, driven by the state government's Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) programs, the National Indigenous Times reported on Jan. 25.
The 2024-25 Term 4 round of the PALS program was announced on Jan. 24, with the initiative supporting 21 WA schools through grants totaling $88,608. This funding is aimed at advancing reconciliation efforts in schools across Western Australia.
Through these initiatives, students will have the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal cultures, their contributions, and histories.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr. Tony Buti stated that the Labor government has allocated over $177,000 to more than 40 schools in the 2024-25 funding rounds, focusing on enhancing students' understanding of Aboriginal cultures.
'Gaining a deeper insight into the cultures, achievements, and histories of Aboriginal people helps school communities build better relationships with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members,' he said.
'This is a great funding round outcome, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact the PALS program has on WA communities.'
The Term 1 2025 grants for this initiative will open on Jan. 30 and close on March 27. The program will be administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The funding will help foster stronger relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members by offering valuable insights into Aboriginal cultures, achievements and histories.
My final thoughts are in Xinjiang where the closure of wells in Uyghur villages of Yopurgha county is a devastating blow to Uyghur farmers. Water is a basic need, especially for those living near the harsh Taklamakan Desert.
These wells were their lifeline, helping them grow crops and support their families. Now, with the wells destroyed, they are left to struggle. What's worse is the unfairness. Han Chinese settlers in the region have similar wells, yet theirs remain untouched.
This isn't just about water — it's about justice. Targeting one group while sparing another deepens existing inequalities. Farmers who tried to survive in difficult conditions are now being punished. Water scarcity is a real issue, but this isn't the way to solve it. Actions like this only create anger and distrust.
The solution lies in collaboration, not destruction. Authorities should work with the farmers to create fair systems for managing water. They could provide permits, build shared infrastructure, or invest in alternative sources like rainwater harvesting.
Listening to the farmers and involving them in decision-making would make a huge difference. Above all, any regulations must be enforced equally for everyone.
Uyghur farmers deserve support, not punishment. Their hard work to survive in a tough environment should be respected. By focusing on fairness and cooperation, authorities can address water challenges without harming lives. It's time to choose compassion and equity over heavy-handed policies.
Working together is the only way to build a sustainable future for everyone.
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