Thailand’s forced deportation of Uyghurs to China has alarmed the OMCT, which emphasizes that these acts violate international obligations concerning non-refoulement. The deportees, held since 2014, face severe human rights risks, including torture. The UN experts have cautioned against further deportations, urging Thailand to ensure medical care for detainees and adhere to human rights standards as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent forced deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China. These deportations raise questions about Thailand’s compliance with international obligations concerning non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they could face torture or inhumane treatment. The affected Uyghurs had been detained in Thailand since 2014, part of a larger group fleeing persecution in China’s Xinjiang region.
The individuals were among approximately 350 Uyghurs apprehended by Thai authorities in March 2014 and have been held incommunicado without legal representation or familial contact. Thailand’s previous deportation of 109 Uyghurs in 2015 faced widespread international condemnation due to the severe risks of human rights violations in China. Such violations include arbitrary detentions and torture, all of which are well documented by human rights bodies and independent experts.
In January 2025, UN experts cautioned Thailand against the impending deportation of 48 Uyghur detainees, warning of the risks of torture and serious human rights violations in China. The health of these detainees is also a concern, with several reported to be suffering from severe medical conditions. The forced return of these individuals, especially under such circumstances, constitutes a significant violation of Thailand’s international obligations.
As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Thailand is called upon to adhere to high human rights standards. OMCT urges the Thai government to clarify the status of the deported Uyghurs, assure their safety, and halt future forced returns. Moreover, access to independent medical care for all Uyghur detainees must be guaranteed.
The Chinese authorities are similarly urged to disclose the fate of the deported Uyghurs and ensure their rights are protected, safeguarding them from torture and ill-treatment.
The forced deportation of Uyghurs by Thailand raises serious concerns about human rights compliance and the principle of non-refoulement. As a UN Human Rights Council member, Thailand is urged to protect the rights of detained Uyghurs and halt any repatriations that could expose them to harm. Immediate actions to ensure their safety and well-being are imperative.
Original Source: www.omct.org
