The European Parliament condemns Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China, asserting that this violates international law. The resolution highlights the risks of severe human rights abuses the deportees may face and urges China to respect their rights. Additionally, it recognizes Thailand’s role as an EU partner and promotes adherence to democratic principles and human rights standards.
The European Parliament has issued a resolution condemning Thailand for the deportation of 40 Uyghurs back to China, asserting that this act breaches international law. The resolution highlights the deported individuals’ potential exposure to arbitrary detention, torture, and severe human rights abuses upon their return. It also mentioned that other nations were willing to accept the refugees; however, Thailand proceeded with the deportation on February 27.
These 40 Uyghurs had been held at Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Center for over a decade, having fled from China in 2014. Reports indicate that those who return, such as Memet Awut and Turdi Abla, are likely to face punishment, as evidenced by their sentencing of nine years in prison after abandoning their escape plans. These men had previously attempted to flee to avoid persecution but decided to return to Xinjiang after realizing the risks involved in fleeing.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok stated that the deported Uyghurs would commence a period of “vocational skills training” once reunited with their families. The Chinese government has previously faced scrutiny for detaining nearly 2 million Uyghurs in camps in Xinjiang, which they describe as vocational centers. The European Parliament urged China to respect the rights of the deported individuals and ensure transparency about their conditions.
Furthermore, the resolution acknowledged Thailand’s significance as an EU partner and encouraged it to enhance its institutions per democratic values and international human rights standards. This stance underscores the EU’s commitment to human rights abroad and its advocacy against actions deemed contrary to international norms.
The European Parliament’s resolution condemns Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs, with emphasis on the potential human rights abuses they may face in China. It highlights the long detention of these individuals in Thailand and the willingness of other nations to accept them. The EU calls for transparency from China regarding the treatment of these returnees and encourages Thailand to align with international human rights standards. Overall, the incident reflects broader concerns regarding human rights and international cooperation in protecting vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
