In a troubling move, Thailand has deported dozens of Uyghurs to China amid grave concerns for their safety. Human rights activists warn that these individuals may face torture, imprisonment, or enforced disappearance upon arrival. Local reports revealed the sight of trucks leaving a Bangkok immigration centre, where 48 Uyghurs had languished for over a decade, their windows shielded from public view. Shortly after their departure, a flight from Bangkok to Kashgar carried these men back to China’s Xinjiang region, stirring fears among advocates for their well-being.
Thailand’s deputy prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, confirmed the deportation, asserting that China guaranteed the Uyghurs would be well cared for post-repatriation. “It was done in accordance with Thai law and international principles. There are no problems,” he stated, dismissing fears while emphasizing that health checks and reunions with relatives awaited them. In contrast, China’s government labelled the group as “illegal immigrants,” downplaying their Uyghur identity amid social media discussions linking them to scam operations.
Denigrating human rights criticisms, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed confidence that all ethnicities in China enjoy rights as citizens, condemning external political forces for spreading misinformation about Xinjiang. Meanwhile, Thailand’s prime minister reiterated the necessity of adherence to legal frameworks governing human rights, though his statements offered no reassurance to the Uyghurs’ fate.
The detained Uyghurs had fled China primarily in 2013 and 2014, seeking refuge from human rights abuses in Xinjiang, where it is estimated that one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities face repression. Many of their counterparts had previously been returned to China, prompting global outcry and photos revealing their treatment. In the decade since, five detainees have died while in Thai custody, including a newborn.
Elaine Pearson from Human Rights Watch spotlighted the risks facing the returned Uyghurs, fearing possible imprisonment and torture. “Thailand’s actions constitute a blatant violation of Thailand’s obligations under domestic and international laws,” she stressed, reminding of assurances from officials against such deportations. UN experts had previously urged for a halt to the deportations, emphasising the risk of irreparable harm to the detainees.
Chinese officials contended that families of the deported requested their return, framing it as a duty to protect citizen rights. However, many relatives opposed the return due to fears of repression. “The Chinese government doesn’t want the world to hear their stories,” lamented a relative of a detainee, who left China in 2016, reiterating their fears of persecution for fleeing.
The political landscape is further complicated by Thailand’s recent diplomatic visit to China, marking fifty years of relations. Peter Irwin, from the Uyghur Human Rights Project, voiced doubts about the detainees’ future, stating that past deportees seldom re-emerge, predicting harsh consequences for those returned. Their narrative, forever obscured and discounted, unfurls like a tragic saga, echoing humanity’s struggle against oppression.
Thailand has deported 48 Uyghurs to China, despite fears for their safety regarding torture and imprisonment. The decision followed assurances from the Thai government, while rights advocates warn of potential violations. The deportees had been detained for over a decade in Thailand and their return has sparked international concern and criticism regarding human rights.
The deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China raises serious concerns regarding their safety and potential human rights violations. Despite assurances from Thailand and China, human rights advocates predict dire consequences for these individuals, potentially including torture and imprisonment. This incident highlights the complexities of international relations, human rights obligations, and the ongoing plight of Uyghurs fleeing persecution.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
