The Thai government has forcibly deported more than 40 Uyghur men to China, risking their safety amidst ongoing human rights abuses there. This action, confirmed by both Thai and Chinese officials, contradicts international laws against refoulement. Human Rights Watch has condemned Thailand’s decision, underscoring the dangers these men face upon repatriation. With significant legal and ethical implications, this incident calls for urgent international attention and action.

On February 27, 2025, the Thai government forcibly deported over 40 Uyghur men to China, violating both domestic and international laws, as stated by Human Rights Watch. These men had been held in Thai immigration detention for more than a decade and now face potential risks of torture and imprisonment upon their return. The deportation was confirmed by both Thai officials and the Chinese state media shortly after a flight left for Kashgar, China.

Human Rights Watch criticized the Thai authorities for disregarding their obligations, emphasizing, “Thailand blatantly disregarded domestic law and its international obligations by forcibly sending these Uyghurs to China to face persecution.” Many of the Uyghurs had been detained since their arrests in March 2014 near the Malaysia border. After earlier transfers of other Uyghurs to China, the remaining detainees expressed fears of deportation, leading to a hunger strike that was temporarily halted when assurances were given by Thai authorities.

Uyghurs, primarily residing in Xinjiang, face severe human rights violations from the Chinese government, with systematic crackdowns against their culture since late 2016. These actions have resulted in mass detentions, persecution for cultural practices, and forced labor. Human Rights Watch indicated that deportees are likely to face harsh treatment if returned, noting that many Uyghurs have been subjected to torture and other forms of inhumane treatment.

Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and lacks proper mechanisms for asylum claims, which has hampered the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ efforts to access the detained individuals. A statement from UNHCR expressed disappointment over the lack of access and raised concerns about the deportation of individuals fearing persecution. The Thai government is bound by international law to refrain from deportation to places where individuals may face serious risks to their lives.

Despite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s claims that repatriations should comply with laws and human rights principles, the recent actions contradict this stance. Human Rights Watch urges concerned governments to advocate for the safety of the repatriated Uyghurs by providing them with access to their families and independent observers. Close attention is required to ensure that the rights and well-being of these individuals are protected, especially given China’s record of abuse against the Uyghur population.

The forced deportation of over 40 Uyghur men from Thailand to China highlights significant violations of both domestic and international law by the Thai government. The risk of torture and other human rights abuses upon their return to China remains a grave concern. Failure to protect these individuals’ rights not only undermines Thailand’s commitments under international treaties but also raises alarms about the treatment of Uyghurs within China. Urgent global advocacy is necessary to ensure their safety and integrity.

Original Source: www.hrw.org

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