A Thai delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, is set to visit Xinjiang from March 18 to 20, 2025. Human Rights Watch urges these officials to confront Chinese authorities regarding the abuses against the Uyghurs and to demand unrestricted access to 40 Uyghur men forcibly repatriated to China. This repatriation sparked outrage from UN agencies and human rights groups worldwide.
Thailand’s delegation is urged to address Uyghur abuses during a visit to Xinjiang. Human Rights Watch emphasises the need for transparency regarding the condition of 40 forcibly returned Uyghurs, highlighting prior UN condemnation. China’s assurances about the repatriated individuals are deemed unreliable. The Thai government is called to ensure no further forced returns of Uyghurs in Thailand and provide asylum seeker support.
The upcoming delegation visit to Xinjiang presents a crucial opportunity for Thailand to advocate for Uyghur rights. Human Rights Watch implores the Thai government to press for transparency regarding the well-being of the repatriated Uyghurs and avoid complicity in the Chinese government’s narrative. Ensuring no further forced returns and granting asylum seekers UN access is vital to uphold international law and human rights.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
