Thailand has deported 40 Uyghurs to China, facing international condemnation despite warnings of potential persecution. The Thai police chief justified the deportation, while human rights groups and UN officials expressed grave concerns about the safety of the deportees, amidst ongoing allegations of abuse against Uyghurs in China.

Thailand has deported dozens of Uyghurs back to China, igniting swift backlash from the international community. Despite warnings from human rights organizations regarding potential persecution, the Thai authorities confirmed the return of 40 Uyghurs, who had been detained in immigration centers. Thai national police chief Kitrat Phanphet claimed that the deportation process, which was requested by Beijing, went smoothly, with no resistance from the Uyghurs.

Rights groups had expressed concerns that the deportees could face severe human rights violations upon their return to China, particularly in light of long-standing accusations against Beijing regarding its treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The United Nations condemned the deportation, emphasizing the prohibition of returns to countries where individuals may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment.

The situation has drawn condemnation from various international leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized the Thai government for its actions. Rubio emphasized that the Uyghurs would lack due process rights and reiterated the risks they face, including forced labor and torture in China. Similar sentiments were echoed by Germany’s foreign ministry, urging both China and Thailand to safeguard the rights of the deported.

Chinese authorities have claimed that the deported individuals are illegal migrants who were misled by criminal organizations. They described the repatriation as an example of cooperation between Thailand and China in combating cross-border crime, asserting that the rights of the deportees were ensured during the process. However, many observers point to the oppressive environment awaiting these individuals in China as a serious concern.

The deported Uyghurs had been in Thai custody for over a decade without proper legal representation or family contact. Rights activists allege that China systematically incarcerates a significant number of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, subject to harsh conditions including forced labor and political indoctrination. They warn that the recent deportations may lead to severe repercussions for the individuals involved.

In response to the outcries, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai defended the deportation decision, asserting that the government acted according to international law and took the potential risks into careful consideration. He stated that the welfare of the Uyghurs was of utmost priority, and expressed confidence that they would not face the anticipated issues upon their return to China.

In summary, Thailand’s recent deportation of Uyghurs to China has raised significant human rights concerns among international observers. Despite assurances from the Thai government regarding the deportees’ safety, numerous organizations have condemned the action, emphasizing the risks of torture and persecution that await them in China. The situation has led to calls for accountability from both Thailand and China, highlighting the ongoing global debate over human rights practices.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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