In recent events, Thai human rights activists have heavily condemned the government’s decision to deport 40 Uyghurs back to China, with calls for the UN to reconsider Thailand’s position within the Human Rights Council. This deportation took place on February 27, amidst warnings from the US, the UN, and various human rights organisations, highlighting the risk of subsequent torture awaiting the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, the region they originally fled a decade ago.
Chalida Tacharoensuk, director of the People’s Empowerment Foundation, expressed her views in a parliamentary meeting regarding the Uyghurs, suggesting that such actions tarnish Thailand’s reputation significantly. She remarked on the disgrace of previous deportations and implored, “We hope there won’t be a third round of Uyghur deportations.” The government’s previous handling of the umbra of Uyghur refugees has sparked both national and international criticism, culminating in calls for accountability.
The 40 deported were part of an original group of over 350 who had sought refuge in Thailand since 2014. Thailand previously returned 109 to China in 2015, following a formal request from Beijing. Despite claims of ensuring their safety, many have since suffered from illness, raising concerns about their welfare post-deportation. Sunai Phasuk, from Human Rights Watch, urged Thailand to advocate for international oversight and debunk any doubts surrounding the safety of the deported individuals.
Concerns continue to ripple through the ranks of scholars and activists, as political analyst Fuadi Pitsuwan questioned the Thai government’s commitment to finding a willing third country for the Uyghurs. The lack of diligence suggested that if there had been earnest efforts, alternative solutions may have been achieved. Sunai further highlighted that limitations imposed on human rights organisations have contributed significantly to the inability to secure a viable third-country approach.
The situation casts a long shadow over the UN’s involvement, with experts warning that the deported Uyghurs potentially face severe abuse in China. This has been compounded by the perceived lack of access the UN has had to the refugees in Thailand, a situation exacerbated by the Thai government blocking such avenues. Notably, as Dr. Nitivit Wongseungiam reported, none of the Uyghur detainees expressed a desire to return to China during consultations, highlighting their strong opposition to the act of deportation despite the dire conditions they faced in detention.
Thai activists have protested the government’s decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China, urging the UN to reassess Thailand’s Human Rights Council membership. Warnings of torture following deportation have been ignored, with calls for more rigorous international oversight. Many activists question the government’s adequacy in finding third-country options for the Uyghurs, emphasising the need for transparency in the treatment of deportees and expressing fears for their safety in China.
The deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from both human rights activists and international observers. With warnings of potential torture and persecution awaiting the deportees, the dynamics between Thailand and China have raised concerns about Thailand’s human rights commitments. Activists are now calling for greater international oversight to ensure the safety of those deported, while questioning the Thai government’s efforts to seek alternatives. This situation underscores the broader moral implications of governmental decisions in the backdrop of international relations.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
