In a bold statement, the UN human rights office and the refugee agency have denounced Thailand’s recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs back to China. They have described this action as a critical breach of international law and the fundamental principle of non-refoulement, which safeguards individuals from being returned to places where they could face torture or severe harm.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed deep concerns about this enforced return, particularly given that these Uyghurs had spent over a decade in Thai detention. “This violates the principle of non-refoulement for which there is a complete prohibition in cases where there is a real risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other irreparable harm upon their return,” he remarked.
International laws, including Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and similar provisions in key human rights instruments, firmly prohibit sending individuals to nations where they might undergo persecution or abuse. Thailand’s own laws mirror these obligations, showcasing a comprehensive framework supporting the right to asylum and protection against refoulement.
The deported individuals were part of a larger group apprehended in March 2014 as they attempted to flee from China to Turkey. For years, they endured harsh conditions in detention, and while five of their companions perished under these dire circumstances, eight remain confined in Thailand.
High Commissioner Türk has called upon the Thai authorities to ensure that no further deportations occur and that the remaining Uyghurs are safeguarded in compliance with international standards. He emphasized the need for the Thai government to protect potential refugees and asylum-seekers.
UNHCR also condemned the deportation, reaching out to the Thai government to guarantee the safety of those detained and prevent enforced returns. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela from UNHCR branded the deportation a blatant violation of international law.
The situation requires transparency from the Chinese government, with Türk urging them to clarify the whereabouts of the deported Uyghurs. “It is now important for the Chinese authorities to disclose their whereabouts, and to ensure that they are treated in accordance with international human rights standards,” he stated.
This conundrum of human rights hangs precariously in the balance, calling for urgent action and compassion in the face of adversity. The voices of the UN and humanitarian bodies echo with a poignant reminder that principles of justice and protection must prevail against the tides of injustice.
The UN human rights office and UNHCR condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, viewing it as a severe violation of international law. This action breaches the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face risks of torture. Both agencies urged Thailand to stop further deportations and protect remaining Uyghurs. High Commissioner Türk called for transparency from China regarding the deported individuals’ treatment.
The deportation of the Uyghurs from Thailand to China has drawn significant criticism from UN organisations, highlighting serious breaches of international law concerning non-refoulement. With repeated calls for the protection of remaining detainees and transparency regarding the deported individuals, the situation underscores the precarious nature of human rights enforcement in an interconnected world. Ongoing vigilance and accountability are essential in safeguarding the rights of individuals fleeing persecution, as highlighted by international treaties and human rights commitments.
Original Source: news.un.org
