World Uyghur Congress Condemns Thailand for Deporting Uyghur Refugees
The World Uyghur Congress has condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees, warning that the action jeopardizes their safety and represents a violation of international law. The group’s President emphasized the serious risks faced by the deported individuals while calling for accountability from the Thai government and the UNHCR, which has failed to protect these refugees adequately.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has strongly condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees back to China. This action is described as unlawful and places the individuals at heightened risk of persecution and severe human rights violations by the Chinese authorities. Reports indicate that the refugees were transferred to a detention facility before being sent to the airport for deportation, following a video shared by a Thai Member of Parliament.
WUC expressed concern over Thailand’s compromised international standing as a result of this decision, urging accountability for human rights violations. The President of WUC remarked, “Thailand’s credibility on the global stage has been compromised due to this issue… The future of those who were deported remains uncertain, as they may face the most severe consequences.”
The refugees had escaped from China’s oppression in East Turkistan and had been detained in Thailand since 2014. The WUC noted that prior deportations of Uyghurs to China have resulted in disappearances or harsh treatment, highlighting Thailand’s breach of international law, particularly regarding the principle of non-refoulement.
Despite previous assurances to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) regarding the protection of the Uyghurs, the WUC points out failures in providing legal representation and humanitarian support. The organization has previously cautioned Thailand against deportation, emphasizing its risks for the refugees’ safety and for Thailand’s human rights reputation.
The deportation of Uyghur refugees from Thailand to China by the Thai government has been vehemently criticized by the World Uyghur Congress for its potential consequences on the refugees’ lives and human rights credibility. The incident underscores significant concerns regarding international law and the failure of the UNHCR to protect vulnerable groups. WUC calls for immediate international scrutiny and accountability as the future of the deported individuals remains dire.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
