Thailand’s Forced Deportation of Uyghurs to China: A Serious Human Rights Violation
The OMCT expressed grave concerns over the forcible deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China, questioning Thailand’s adherence to international protocols prohibiting such actions. This incident involves detainees who have faced prolonged incommunicado detention. Previous forced returns to China have drawn widespread condemnation due to the human rights violations Uyghurs face.
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has voiced significant concern regarding reports of at least 40 Uyghurs forcibly deported from Thailand to China. This incident raises pressing questions about Thailand’s compliance with international legal obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which forbids returning individuals to situations where they may be tortured or otherwise harmed.
The deported Uyghurs are part of a larger group of approximately 350 who escaped persecution in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and were detained by Thai authorities in March 2014. These individuals have reportedly been held for over a decade under incommunicado conditions, lacking legal representation, family contact, or visits from international monitoring agencies.
Thailand previously faced international condemnation for forcibly returning 109 Uyghurs to China in 2015, due to the well-established risks of serious human rights violations they might encounter. The Chinese government’s actions against Uyghurs, which encompass systematic oppression in Xinjiang, have been well-documented by various human rights organizations and experts.
In January 2025, UN experts cautioned Thailand about the potential deportation of 48 Uyghur detainees, informing them of the risks these individuals would face, especially given the deteriorating health of many, with 23 suffering from severe medical conditions. The act of returning them, particularly in light of their fragile state, represents a serious violation of Thailand’s international responsibilities.
As a new member of the UN Human Rights Council, Thailand is urged to maintain the highest human rights standards. OMCT insists that Thai authorities clarify the status of the deported Uyghurs and guarantee their safety. Thailand must discontinue the forced return of at-risk groups to China and ensure access to medical care and humane detention conditions for all Uyghur detainees.
In conclusion, the forced deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China raises urgent human rights concerns. OMCT emphasizes the need for Thailand to adhere to international legal obligations and ensure the well-being of those at risk. Immediate action is critical to uphold human rights and prevent further violations against the Uyghur population.
Original Source: www.omct.org