President
Zhalaldin Yussupov, born in Kazakhstan in 1961, is a dedicated Uyghur activist with a rich background in engineering and management. Holding diplomas from construction and automotive colleges, he initially worked in state-owned companies before venturing into entrepreneurship. In 1989, Zhalaldin co-founded a trading company, engaging in the exchange of materials between Kazakhstan and other nations, including East Turkistan. Amidst business endeavors, he actively participated in informational and charitable activities with Uyghur partners and aided Uyghurs facing Chinese government pressures in obtaining visas and the right to live and work in Kazakhstan.
Despite facing challenges and lack of official approval from Kazakhstan due to Chinese pressure, Zhalaldin continued his advocacy. In 1995, the persecution and expulsion of Uyghurs with Chinese passports from Kazakhstan marked a turning point, leading to increased human rights issues.
In 2002, Zhalaldin journeyed to Ireland, where by 2003, he was elected as the head of the Uyghur diaspora in Ireland, known as “Yigit Beshi.” Embracing the Uyghur tradition of forming communities to address social and cultural challenges, the Uyghur diaspora in Ireland, under Zhalaldin’s leadership, strives to preserve their identity, cultural heritage, and language. They actively organize events, foster community gatherings, and provide mutual support while aiding Uyghur diasporas in integrating into their new lives. Zhalaldin Yussupov remains a committed advocate for the Uyghur cause, navigating challenges with resilience and dedication.
Co-founder and Director
Nuria Zyden, Born and raised in Kashgar, has lived in Ireland for a decade. With over ten years of experience in international corporations, she is passionate about bridging cultures and advocating against the ongoing Uyghur atrocities. She holds a Master’s in Business Risk Management from Ulster University, and a Level 9 Certification in Workforce Management. These qualifications enable her to lead cultural initiatives and work closely with diverse communities.
Dr David O’Brien is an assistant professor and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. Originally from Birr, County Offaly he lived in the Uyghur region for a number of years and carried out research there since 2002. He is the co-author of the book People, Place, Race, and Nation in Xinjiang, China: Territories of Identity. Dr O’Brien is a frequent contributor to Irish and international media on the Uyghur crisis. He completed his PhD at University College Cork in 2013.
Board members:
Parvina Ilakhunova was born in Kazakhstan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in Business Analytics. She is passionate about the Uyghur’s history and culture, as her grandparents had to leave their home country (East Turkistan) and seek shelter in Kazakhstan. Parvina has been living in Ireland for a couple of years to explore the country. She assists the local Uyghur community in organizing and hosting events and meetings.
Emily Upson is a PhD Candidate at Newcastle University, funded by UKRI’s Economic Social Research Council. Her research is on transnational advocacy networks for Uyghur human rights at the intersection of human rights, area studies, and political sociology. Emily is an academic affiliate with the Global Legal Action Network, advising on Uyghur forced labor issues, and is the Country Coordinator for China-related campaigns at Amnesty International UK.
Mark Finnegan is a student at the University of Limerick, and this summer he will graduate with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. He hopes to work in the fields of humanitarianism and/or human rights advocacy. Inspired by Ireland’s history of overcoming oppression against all odds, he is passionate about the struggles of oppressed nations and minority groups around the world, including the Uyghurs.
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