EU Parliament Condemns Thailand’s Deportation of Uyghurs to China

The European Parliament condemned Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China, citing international law violations. The resolution expressed concerns over risks of detention and torture the deportees face. It also called for respect for the deportees’ rights and urged Thailand to strengthen its democratic institutions.

On March 14, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Thailand for the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, alleging that this action contravenes international law. The resolution highlighted the potential dangers facing these individuals upon their return, including risks of arbitrary detention, torture, and severe human rights violations. Other countries had expressed willingness to accept the Uyghur refugees, as noted by Radio Free Asia (RFA).
The group of 40 had been detained in Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Center for over ten years after fleeing China in 2014. Accounts from former Uyghur escapees suggest that those deported might endure significant punishment upon their return to China.
Recent confirmations from police revealed that two Uyghur men, Memet Awut and Turdi Abla, who initially sought to escape China in 2014, faced a nine-year prison sentence after returning to Xinjiang. The two men, from Aksu in western Xinjiang, had traveled to southern Yunnan province but opted to return due to the precariousness of their situation.
A representative from the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok indicated that these deported individuals would receive “vocational skills training” after reuniting with their families. Notably, the Chinese government has detained nearly 2 million Uyghurs in re-education camps in Xinjiang, which it claims are voluntary vocational centers.
The EU resolution, while not explicitly addressing these camps, called for China to respect the rights of the deported individuals and to provide transparency regarding their locations. Furthermore, it acknowledged Thailand as a significant EU partner and encouraged the nation to enhance its institutions in alignment with democratic values and international human rights standards.

The European Parliament’s resolution underscores the serious implications of Thailand’s decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China, emphasizing the potential for human rights abuses. It reflects the international community’s concern over the treatment of Uyghurs and highlights the need for both Thailand and China to adhere to human rights standards. The call for stronger democratic institutions in Thailand indicates a push for improved governance and human rights observance in the region.

Original Source: www.aninews.in