Uyghur-American, Commissioner, Attorney, Author, and Activist
Nury Turkel is an influential attorney, author, and human rights advocate whose work primarily addresses U.S.-China relations and the intersection of law and human rights. He is notable for his extensive experience in legal advocacy, governmental policy, and human rights work, spanning over two decades.
Turkel has achieved several groundbreaking milestones. He is the first Uyghur to be educated as an attorney in the United States and is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His strategic roles include serving as a Senior Advisor at the Krach Institute of Tech Diplomacy and as a Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative Advisory Board member.
He holds a senior fellowship at the Hudson Institute, focusing on critical issues such as national security, foreign policy, and the impacts of emerging technologies on civil liberties. His analyses and policy recommendations are frequently published in esteemed outlets such as TIME and the Wall Street Journal, and he is a regular guest on global media platforms like CNN and BBC.
Recognized for his significant contributions to global discourse, Turkel was named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020." Fortune Magazine subsequently honored him as one of the 50 Greatest Leaders in 2021, and he received the Notre Dame Prize for Religious Liberty that same year. In 2022, Jewish World Watch acknowledged his continued dedication to human rights with the Global Soul Award.
Turkel is also a respected public speaker, often invited to deliver keynote addresses and participate in discussions at major international forums. His proficiency in English, Chinese, Turkish, and several Central Asian languages enables him to communicate effectively with diverse audiences worldwide.
His book, "No Escape," which details the plight of the Uyghurs under Chinese government policies, earned him the "2023 Moore Prize for Human Rights Writing." This award highlights his role in illuminating severe human rights issues through detailed narrative and analysis.
In his current role, Nury Turkel specializes in global corporate compliance and governance, focusing on ethical business practices and compliance with international and U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. He serves as the Compliance Officer and Counsel for Ericsson, where he leads initiatives to strengthen the company's ethical standards and compliance frameworks.
Previously, Turkel practiced law at Kristen & Young, specializing in aviation law. He managed his legal practice, addressing trade, human rights, and immigration issues.
A former chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Turkel strongly advocated for oppressed communities worldwide.
Born in Kashgar, China, Turkel enjoys a rich personal life in the U.S. with his wife, Nazli. They engage in activities like reading, music, and culinary exploration.
Learn More:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/politics/china-secret-deal-uyghurs.htmlhttps://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3289229/3-uygurs-freed-part-us-china-prisoner-exchange-reporthttps://www.deccanherald.com/world/inside-a-secret-plan-to-bring-uyghurs-trapped-in-china-to-the-united-states-3300982https://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-uyghur-mother-touches-down-in-america--63149581https://www.nationalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nordlinger_20241205.html