World Uyghur Congress Denounces Thailand for Deporting Uyghur Refugees
The World Uyghur Congress condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees to China, citing severe risks of persecution and human rights violations. They criticized Thailand’s actions for damaging its global credibility and called for international action to address accountability. Previous reports illustrate a concerning pattern of forced returns that jeopardize the safety of deported individuals.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC), based in Munich, has strongly condemned Thailand’s repatriation of 40 Uyghur refugees to China on February 27. The WUC highlighted the severe risks these individuals face, including persecution, torture, and violations of their human rights by the Chinese government, following their forced return.
Romadon Panjor, a Thai Member of Parliament from the People’s Party, shared a video showing a large detention vehicle arriving at the Suan Phlu immigration detention center. These detainees were reportedly taken to a nearby airport and deported. In response to inquiries, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra did not confirm the deportation details.
The president of the WUC expressed that Thailand’s actions have damaged its global reputation and stressed the need for accountability regarding this human rights breach. Furthermore, he remarked on the uncertainty surrounding the future of the deported individuals, who are now at significant risk.
The refugees had fled China’s oppressive regime in East Turkistan and had been held in Thailand since 2014. Previous instances of forced returns included 109 detainees deported to China despite assurances from the Thai government to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The WUC report notes that these refugees were denied legal representation and viable resettlement options, despite various appeals for assistance. The UNHCR’s response has been criticized as insufficient, lacking timely support due to pressure from the Chinese government.
Thailand’s deportation of the Uyghur refugees is perceived as a violation of international law, specifically the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where their life or freedom is endangered. Past deportations have led to severe consequences, including enforced disappearances and mistreatment.
The WUC has previously urged Thailand against such actions, emphasizing the risks to the refugees’ lives and the potential damage to Thailand’s international reputation. They called on the Thai government to offer clarity regarding the situation of these deported refugees.
The WUC has urged immediate action from the United Nations, the European Union, and concerned nations to address this deportation. They advocate for diplomatic and legal measures to ensure accountability for this violation of human rights.
In summary, the recent deportation of Uyghur refugees from Thailand has raised significant concerns regarding human rights violations and Thailand’s international standing. The World Uyghur Congress has called for urgent intervention from global entities to hold Thailand accountable and protect the rights of those affected. The uncertainty surrounding the safety of the deported individuals underscores the critical need for action to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com