In a distressing development, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has reported the forced deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China, raising urgent human rights concerns. This incident challenges Thailand’s commitment to the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to nations where they risk torture or inhumane treatment.
These Uyghurs, part of a larger group of around 350 who fled severe persecution in Xinjiang, have been detained in Thailand since 2014. For years, they endured incommunicado detention, lacking legal support, familial contact, or visits from human rights bodies, reminiscent of a silent prison.
In 2015, Thailand faced international condemnation for returning 109 Uyghurs to China, where they confronted documented human rights abuses. The Chinese government’s systematic crackdown on Uyghurs, including arbitrary detention and torture, has been extensively documented by various human rights organisations and has raised alarms about potential crimes against humanity.
In January 2025, UN experts cautioned Thailand against deporting another 48 Uyghurs, highlighting their vulnerability to torture if returned. Alarmingly, 23 members of this group are reported to be suffering from severe health issues, making their forced return not only a humanitarian crisis but a breach of international law as well.
As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Thailand faces heightened scrutiny regarding its human rights obligations. The OMCT demands Thailand clarify the whereabouts of the deported Uyghurs, ensure their safety, and halt all forced deportations. Independent medical care and humane detention conditions must be guaranteed for all Uyghur detainees.
The organisation further urges Chinese authorities to reveal the fate of the deported individuals, ensuring their fundamental rights are upheld and sheltering them from torture and disappearance. The narrative of these individuals represents a fight not just for survival but for the essence of humanity itself.
The World Organisation Against Torture has raised concerns over the forced deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China, questioning the country’s adherence to the principle of non-refoulement. These individuals faced years of detention in harsh conditions, lacking any legal assistance. UN experts have warned Thailand of the potential dangers those deported may face, while calls to protect their rights continue to echo within the international community.
The forced deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China underscores a critical breach of international human rights obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement. It calls for immediate action to protect vulnerable detainees and uphold their rights, demanding transparency and humane treatment from both Thai and Chinese authorities. Urgent measures are required to safeguard the well-being of detained individuals and prevent further violations.
Original Source: www.omct.org
