In brief
In a distressing move, Thailand has deported 40 Uyghurs who had been held for over a decade, raising alarm among activists about the risks of torture and imprisonment they now face in China.
Thailand has faced criticism from human rights organizations following its decision to deport 40 Uyghur detainees back to China, a country where they could face torture and lengthy prison sentences. These Uyghurs, members of a Muslim minority, were part of over 300 who sought refuge in Thailand after fleeing persecution back in 2014. The individuals had initially hoped to reach Turkey, which has a significant Uyghur diaspora.On February 27, human rights advocates raised alarms about the imminent deportation just hours before Thai authorities announced the repatriation of the Uyghurs — labeled as “illegal immigrants” by Chinese state media. The men had been detained in Bangkok immigration centers for over a decade, during which some resorted to a hunger strike to protest their impending deportation. Eyewitnesses reported a convoy leaving a Bangkok detention center in the early hours, with police cars escorting trucks obscured by black coverings. Reports suggested their transfer to a China Southern Airlines flight to Kashgar, a city in Xinjiang, the Uyghurs' historical homeland.Activists from groups like Human Rights Watch condemned the actions, pointing out that Thailand's actions are in stark violation of domestic and international obligations. Elaine Pearson, the Asia director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the country for disregarding prior assurances that the detainees wouldn't be returned to China.The official reports from China did not identify the deported individuals or their regions of origin but assured that the repatriation adhered to both nations' laws and international regulations. The Thai government has not yet publicly responded to the backlash against their decision.
