U.S. Condemns Thailand for Uyghur Deportation Amid International Concerns
The United States and various nations made repeated resettlement offers for Uyghurs to Thailand, which ultimately deported them back to China despite concerns of torture. The U.S. criticized this move as a violation of human rights commitments. Thailand’s Vice Minister claimed serious offers were lacking, while fears of Chinese retaliation influenced actions. The situation highlights ongoing human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang and the responsibility of nations under international law.
The United States and various nations had repeatedly offered Thailand assistance to resettle over three dozen Uyghur men prior to their deportation back to China, leading to concerns of potential torture and abuse, according to the U.S. State Department. The group of 40 Uyghurs had sought refuge in Thailand since 2014, escaping state repression in Xinjiang, China, but were secretly transferred from a Bangkok detention center last week.
In addressing the situation, the U.S. State Department stated, “We have worked with Thailand for years to avoid this situation, including by consistently and repeatedly offering to resettle the Uyghurs in other countries.” Meanwhile, Thailand’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Russ Jalichandra, claimed that there had been no serious negotiations regarding the Uyghurs’ resettlement, suggesting that any commitment from third countries should involve discussions with China.
The U.S. condemned Thailand’s decision to deport the Uyghurs, arguing that it violated the nation’s commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, emphasizing that assurances regarding the safety of individuals at risk of persecution should not require negotiation with the persecutor country. The State Department noted that “a number of allies and partners” participated in resettlement discussions but did not detail this involvement further.
Jalichandra also indicated that fears of retaliation from Beijing influenced Thailand’s decision, reiterating the potential repercussions of allowing the Uyghurs asylum in another country. China has been criticized for detaining over one million individuals from ethnic minorities, including Uyghurs, in a system of indoctrination camps where they reportedly face serious human rights abuses.
In 2014, Thai authorities arrested over 200 Uyghurs, but after a partial release to Turkey in 2015, many continued to be held until their recent deportation. This move prompted international outcry from human rights organizations, who labeled the deportations as violations of both domestic and international law. Furthermore, U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk denounced the deportations, calling for the protection of remaining Uyghurs in Thailand and urging China to ensure their safety.
In response, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized foreign interventions in their judicial matters, affirming that returned individuals’ rights were upheld. He stated that the repatriated Uyghurs have returned to a normal life, dismissing allegations against China regarding human rights violations in Xinjiang.
In light of this situation, the U.S. government has emphasized its ongoing commitment to the resettlement of Uyghurs facing human rights concerns. The deportation has raised significant implications regarding international responsibilities toward asylum seekers and the adherence to human rights laws. The international community, led by human rights organizations and the U.N., continues to advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations and accountability for alleged abuses in China.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
