In a stark warning, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned Thailand’s recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs back to China, labelling the act as a breach of international human rights laws. He underscored the principle of non-refoulement, which forbids returning individuals to places where they risk torture or inhumane treatment.
The Uyghurs had been trapped in Thailand since March 2014, enduring harsh conditions in immigration detention facilities. Tragically, five detainees have died, and eight continue to languish behind bars, highlighting the dire situation faced by those seeking refuge.
Turk urged the Thai authorities to fulfil their international obligations towards these vulnerable individuals, expressing regret that they had been forcibly returned to an uncertain fate. He highlighted the need for Thailand to protect remaining detainees, including potential refugees, in line with global legal frameworks.
Calling on China, he demanded the government reveal the current status of the deported individuals and ensure their humane treatment according to international standards. The Chinese regime has drawn severe criticism globally for its treatment of Uyghurs, with reports indicating over a million are held in ‘re-education camps’.
UN rights chief Volker Turk criticises Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, stating it violates international laws against non-refoulement. He calls for Thailand to stop future deportations and for China to disclose the whereabouts of the deported individuals. The situation of Uyghurs, facing severe human rights violations in China, continues to draw international concern.
In summary, Volker Turk’s condemnation of Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs underscores the urgent need for respect for human rights. His call for Thailand to protect individuals needing asylum and for China to clarify the fate of those deported raises significant ethical considerations on international obligations. The plight of the Uyghurs remains a crucial issue on the global human rights agenda.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
