The World Uyghur Congress has condemned the deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees from Thailand to China, citing risks of persecution under the Chinese government. A member of Thai Parliament confirmed the deportation, while the WUC criticized the breach of international law. The organization calls for international action to address the violations and hold Thailand accountable.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees back to China, occurring recently. According to the WUC, this repatriation poses significant risks, including persecution and torture, as these individuals confront severe human rights violations under the Chinese government. Ultimately, this action undermines Thailand’s international credibility.
A report indicated that a member of the Thai Parliament shared footage of a large detention vehicle at the Suan Phlu immigration center, following which the refugees were transferred to an airport for deportation. Inquiries directed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the deportation remained unanswered. The WUC criticized Thailand’s accountability and described this action as a violation of international law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from being sent to countries where they face dire threats.
The refugees had fled regimes in East Turkistan and had been detained in Thailand since 2014, alongside others deported previously despite assurances to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Reports suggest these individuals lacked access to legal aid and protection from international bodies, with the UNHCR facing criticism for ineffective responses under pressure from China.
The WUC urged Thailand to reconsider its stance, asserting that such deportations jeopardize the lives of the refugees and harm Thailand’s commitment to human rights. They have called for international bodies, including the United Nations and European Union, to exert diplomatic and legal pressure to ensure accountability for this breach of human rights.
In summary, the World Uyghur Congress denounces Thailand’s recent deportation of Uyghur refugees, drawing attention to the ensuing risks that these individuals face upon return to China. The organization’s call for international action highlights both Thailand’s violated legal obligations and the failure of global protections for vulnerable populations. The accountability and response from the international community remain critical to safeguarding human rights in this situation.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
