Residents in China's Xinjiang region gathered in the provincial capital Urumqi to dispel accusations of forced labor and the oppression of religious freedom.
23-year-old Tursuntohti Matyusuf says his life has been better in almost every way since he relocated to the city of Korla, in central Xinjiang, from his hometown of Hotan, in the south.
"I have earned a good living since I started working in Korla. I send money home every month and my family is better-off. They now have better food, clothes and better daily necessities. My parents are happy and say I have really grown up and become responsible," said Matyusuf.