In a controversial move, the Thai government has deported 40 Uyghurs back to China, igniting protests from human rights advocates. These individuals had sought refuge in Thailand, fleeing persecution in Xinjiang in 2014, yet faced arrest and detainment for over a decade. Authorities were warned that the deportees could endure serious human rights abuses, including detention and torture, upon their return.
Uyghurs, a Turkic-speaking Muslim minority in Xinjiang, have faced increasing scrutiny since 2016, as reports of mass detentions and cultural suppression emerged. Despite the warnings, Thailand proceeded with the deportation after the Uyghurs staged a hunger strike which ended after assurances were given. On February 27, they were secretly extracted from their detention centre and flown back to China.
The Thai Prime Minister claimed the Uyghurs left voluntarily, insisting that China had provided adequate guarantees for their safety. Yet, evidence surfaced suggesting the opposite, as letters from deported individuals appealed against their return. Notably, Turkey once expressed willingness to accept these refugees, highlighting the lack of support from other nations.
International outcry followed the deportation, with the UN and various human rights organisations condemning Thailand’s actions, branding them a breach of human rights. Freedom House voiced that this decision marked a severe abandonment of Thailand’s human rights commitments, calling the incident an example of transnational repression. Activist Phil Robertson argued that Thailand should resign its position on the UN Human Rights Council due to this egregious violation.
In response to the backlash, the Chinese embassy in Thailand dismissed foreign intervention, showcasing reunion photos of the deported Uyghurs in Kashgar to illustrate their supposed safety. The embassy offered to host Thai officials in Xinjiang to witness the conditions of the deportees. However, veteran journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk labelled the covert deportation as a public relations disaster, noting it was conducted under suspicious circumstances that hinted at urgency and secrecy.
Thailand has deported 40 Uyghurs back to China, igniting outrage from human rights groups due to fears of persecution. The deportees had sought asylum in Thailand after fleeing China, but were held for over a decade. Despite assurance of safety from Thai officials, the secrecy of the deportation has led to widespread condemnation and calls for Thailand to resign from the UN Human Rights Council.
The deportation of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China has sparked significant international backlash due to human rights concerns. Despite government claims of voluntary departure, the incident raises questions about the treatment of these deportees in China and Thailand’s commitment to human rights. The complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding this issue highlight the challenges faced by refugees from oppressive regimes, resulting in calls for accountability from the international community.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
