Thailand Vice Foreign Minister Confirms Offers for Uyghurs Resettlement
Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister admitted that offers for the resettlement of 40 detained Uyghurs were made by other nations but deemed them unrealistic for fear of Chinese retaliation. The deportation occurred despite warnings about potential torture faced by returning Uyghurs. The situation reflects broader issues of diplomacy, regional influence, and the silence of Muslim-majority nations regarding the plight of Uyghurs.
On Thursday, Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra confirmed that several countries had indeed proposed to resettle 40 detained Uyghurs prior to their deportation to China, marking a significant reversal from previous statements by Thai officials. However, he deemed these offers as “unrealistic,” explaining that accepting them could lead to serious repercussions from China, potentially jeopardizing the livelihoods of many in Thailand.
The Vice Foreign Minister characterized the deportation to China as the “best option” without disclosing the names of the countries that had extended resettlement offers. He elaborated, “Some countries had requested to take them in, but I chose not to name these countries to avoid impacting other nations.” Thailand had repatriated the Uyghurs on February 27, despite warnings from the United States, the U.N., and various human rights organizations concerning the risks of torture they might face in Xinjiang, their region of origin.
Previously, Thailand claimed it consented to what it labeled a voluntary repatriation at China’s formal request, citing assurances from Beijing regarding the safety of the 40 men. In a related statement, Thai opposition member of parliament Kannavee Suebsang remarked that countries like the U.S., Sweden, and Australia were ready to accept the Uyghurs for resettlement, challenging the government’s narrative that no nations were willing to assist.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson corroborated this by verifying that an offer had been extended to resettle the Uyghurs in other locations, including the United States. This information underlines ongoing human rights abuses faced by Uyghurs in Xinjiang, a situation China continues to deny. Notably, the fate of five other Uyghurs remains uncertain in a Thai prison, while three more are unaccounted for.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) criticized the Thai government’s actions, calling the handover of Uyghurs to China as succumbing to their “oppressors, torturers and murderers.” CAIR’s Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell highlighted the troubling silence from many Muslim governments regarding the situation, attributing it to China’s significant regional influence. He urged Muslim leaders equipped to act to vocalize their stance against the persecution of Uyghurs.
Meanwhile, Abdulhakim Idris from the Uyghur Research Center expressed concern over the lack of action from Muslim-majority countries, suggesting that fear of displeasing China inhibited their responses. He pointed out the contrast in vocal advocacy by Muslim communities when faced with other issues affecting Islam, noting an alarming hypocrisy in their silence about the Uyghurs’ plight. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which consists of 57 Muslim-majority nations, had not answered inquiries regarding the incident as of Thursday.
Thailand’s acknowledgment of international offers to resettle the Uyghurs highlights the complex interplay of diplomacy and human rights. The government’s decision, driven by economic considerations regarding its relationship with China, contrasts with appeals from opposition members and human rights advocates. The muted response from Muslim-majority nations underscores a concerning pattern of silence in the face of human rights violations, prompting calls for action from Muslim organizations and individuals worldwide. This situation illustrates the delicate balance nations must navigate in addressing humanitarian crises while considering geopolitical pressures.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
