Thailand’s Delegation Urged to Ensure Uyghur Deportee Rights During China Visit
Human Rights Watch is urging Thailand to demand unrestricted access to Uyghur deportees during an official visit to China. This comes in response to the recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs, faced with fierce international criticism. The Thai delegation faces pressure to report honestly on the situation of Uyghurs in light of widespread allegations of human rights abuses by China.
Human Rights Watch has called upon the Thai government to demand unrestricted access to the Uyghur deportees and to publicly address China’s treatment of Uyghurs during an official delegation’s upcoming visit to Xinjiang from March 18 to 20, 2025. This request follows international outcry regarding Thailand’s forced deportation of 40 Uyghurs earlier in February.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the necessity for transparency, stating that the Thai delegation should not simply engage in a performance orchestrated by the Chinese government. Instead, they are urged to report on the actual conditions faced by Uyghurs.
Jiaryu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed on March 1 that the Thai delegation is scheduled to visit China and inspect the deportees. Thai Minister of Defense Phumtham Vejjayachai noted uncertainty about the exact number of deportees they would encounter, suggesting there would be “no less than five.” The Chinese foreign ministry dismissed concerns, referring to the delegation as a normal friendly interaction between the countries.
International condemnation has been widespread, with the UN and the US expressing strong opposition. On March 14, the US Department of State imposed visa restrictions on Thai officials involved in the forced returns of Uyghurs, to which the Chinese foreign ministry responded by criticizing the US for its perceived hypocrisy, pointing out that the US deports illegal immigrants domestically while sanctioning other nations for similar actions.
Thai Minister of Justice Tawee Sodsong defended the deportations, asserting they align with Thailand’s sovereign rights and international obligations. Sodsong remarked that the country has faced criticism for over a decade despite efforts to improve detention conditions.
China continues to face allegations of severe human rights violations against the Uyghur population, including arbitrary detentions and suppression of cultural practices. The government claims that the legal system in China protects the rights of all citizens, including Uyghurs, denying reports of mass detentions and human rights abuses.
In conclusion, as the Thai delegation prepares for its visit to China, Human Rights Watch emphasizes the necessity for transparency and accountability regarding the treatment of Uyghurs. The international community, particularly the US and UN, continues to apply pressure on Thailand to reconsider its stance on deportations. The situation remains complex, with China firmly denying allegations of human rights abuses while asserting its legal framework protects all citizens. The outcome of this delegation could influence future relations and human rights policies in the region.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
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