Bangkok/Beijing — Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs to China on Thursday, disregarding urgent appeals from the United Nations and human rights organizations to halt the controversial move. The deportation, carried out under an agreement with Beijing, has sparked a fresh wave of international criticism.
The Uyghurs, members of a persecuted ethnic Muslim minority, had been detained in Thailand for a decade. Their forced return raises concerns over their fate upon arrival in China, where Uyghurs have faced allegations of mass detentions, forced labor, and other human rights violations.
Thai Authorities Defend Deportation
Thai Police Chief Kittirat Panpetch defended the action, stating it was a routine procedure for individuals considered illegal immigrants. “I believe it is a normal procedure to repatriate those considered illegal immigrants… and the Uyghurs are no different. They must be returned. How many more years should they remain detained? 11, 12, 13? They are human beings. They should be able to return,” he said at a press conference.
Confirmation of the deportation followed hours of speculation about a secretive operation. Earlier in the day, authorities had refused to disclose details, citing national security concerns.
UN Strongly Condemns Deportation
The deportation has been met with strong condemnation from the United Nations and human rights bodies. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the action as “deeply troubling” and a violation of fundamental international protections.
“This violates the principle of non-refoulement for which there is a complete prohibition in cases where there is a real risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other irreparable harm upon their return,” Türk said.
The principle of non-refoulement is enshrined in Article 3 of the Convention against Torture, which prohibits the return of individuals to a country where they face risks of persecution, torture, or ill-treatment. It is also referenced in Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Additionally, Thailand’s own Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, as well as the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, explicitly recognize the right to seek asylum and prohibit forced returns in such cases.
Detained Since 2014
The deported Uyghurs were among a larger group detained in March 2014 after fleeing China with hopes of reaching Türkiye. They were placed in immigration detention centers under dire conditions for over a decade.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported that five members of the group have died in custody, while eight others remain detained in Thailand.
Calls to Halt Further Deportations
The UN High Commissioner has called on Thailand to immediately stop any further deportations and ensure the protection of the remaining Uyghurs in detention.
“The Thai authorities must ensure there are no further deportations and the remaining members of the group, including potential refugees and asylum-seekers, being held in Thailand are fully protected in accordance with their obligations under international law,” Türk urged.
UNHCR Criticizes Forced Returns
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has also condemned Thailand’s actions, stating that it had repeatedly requested access to the detained Uyghurs and assurances that they would not be forcibly returned—requests that were denied.
Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, called the deportation a “clear violation” of the non-refoulement principle and a breach of Thailand’s international obligations.
“UNHCR calls on the Royal Thai Government to put an end to the forced return of individuals from Thailand,” she said.
Demand for Transparency from China
High Commissioner Türk further urged the Chinese authorities to disclose the whereabouts and well-being of the deported Uyghurs.
“It is now important for the Chinese authorities to disclose their whereabouts and to ensure that they are treated in accordance with international human rights standards,” he stated.
The deportation of the Uyghurs has added to mounting global concerns over Beijing’s treatment of the ethnic minority group. Human rights organizations continue to demand accountability from both Thailand and China over the fate of the deported individuals, warning of potential grave consequences for those forcibly returned.
SOURCE : EFE. | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |
