# Xinjiang Victims Database

> database of Xinjiang internment camp detainees

**Wikidata**: [Q106777930](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106777930)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinjiang_Victims_Database)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xinjiang-victims-database

## Summary  
The Xinjiang Victims Database is a website and database documenting individuals detained in Xinjiang internment camps, launched in September 2018. Hosted in the United States, it aggregates information on detainees to preserve evidence of human rights abuses, with content available in English, Chinese, and Russian. The database is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, promoting transparency and public access.  

## Key Facts  
- **Inception**: September 2018.  
- **Country**: United States.  
- **License**: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.  
- **Website Languages**: English, Chinese, Russian (via [shahit.biz](https://www.shahit.biz)).  
- **Social Media**: Twitter handle [@shahitbiz](https://twitter.com/shahitbiz), with 14,281 followers as of February 4, 2023.  
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Documented in English and Chinese language editions.  
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted.  
- **IMDb ID**: co0854159 (associated with related media content).  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was the Xinjiang Victims Database created?  
A: The database was launched in September 2018 to document detainees in Xinjiang internment camps.  

### Q: What languages is the database available in?  
A: The website provides content in English, Chinese, and Russian to reach a global audience.  

### Q: Is the database’s information publicly accessible?  
A: Yes, the database operates under a Creative Commons license, allowing free reuse of its data with attribution.  

## Why It Matters  
The Xinjiang Victims Database plays a critical role in human rights advocacy by systematically recording and preserving the identities of individuals detained in Xinjiang’s internment camps. It serves as a tool for researchers, journalists, and policymakers to investigate and raise awareness about alleged state-sponsored abuses. By crowdsourcing and verifying information, the database counters narratives of secrecy and denial, ensuring accountability and supporting efforts to seek justice for victims and their families. Its multilingual accessibility and open-license model amplify its impact, enabling broader dissemination of evidence in a politically sensitive context.  

## Notable For  
- **Primary Source on Xinjiang Camps**: One of the most comprehensive public records of detainees, cited in international human rights reports.  
- **Multilingual Accessibility**: Content available in English, Chinese, and Russian to engage diverse audiences.  
- **Crowdsourced Verification**: Relies on contributions from survivors, families, and investigators to validate entries.  
- **Transparent Licensing**: Creative Commons licensing facilitates academic, journalistic, and advocacy use of data.  

## Body  
### **Inception and Purpose**  
Launched in September 2018, the Xinjiang Victims Database was created to document individuals imprisoned in China’s Xinjiang internment camps. It focuses on preserving the identities and stories of detainees, primarily Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities, amid reports of systemic human rights violations.  

### **Structure and Content**  
- **Data Scope**: Aggregates details such as names, ages, professions, and reasons for detention.  
- **Verification**: Entries are cross-checked through survivor testimonies, government documents, and open-source research.  
- **Languages**: The website ([shahit.biz](https://www.shahit.biz)) offers English, Chinese, and Russian versions to maximize global reach.  

### **Online Presence**  
- **Social Media**: The project maintains an active Twitter account ([@shahitbiz](https://twitter.com/shahitbiz)), launched on July 14, 2019, with over 14,000 followers as of 2023.  
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Featured in English and Chinese Wikipedia entries, enhancing its visibility as a cited source.  

### **Licensing and Accessibility**  
The database operates under a **Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International** license, permitting free reuse of its data with proper attribution. This model supports academic research, media reporting, and advocacy efforts while ensuring transparency.  

### **Recognition**  
- **IMDb Listing**: Associated with the identifier **co0854159**, indicating ties to documentary or media projects addressing the Xinjiang crisis.  
- **Copyright Status**: While the database itself is copyrighted, its open-license framework prioritizes public access over commercial restrictions.  

### **Technical and Legal Context**  
Hosted in the United States, the database leverages freedom of information laws and digital platforms to circumvent censorship. Its existence underscores the role of technology in human rights documentation, particularly in contexts where state transparency is lacking.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.shahit.biz/eng/)