Human Rights Concerns Arise from Thailand’s Deportation of Uyghurs to China

OMCT raises significant concerns over Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China, questioning Thailand’s compliance with non-refoulement obligations. Many Uyghurs, detained since 2014, face severe risks upon return due to China’s documented human rights abuses. OMCT urges Thailand to clarify the status of the deported individuals and ensure humane treatment for all detainees, advocating for independent monitoring and medical care.

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has expressed significant concern regarding the forcible deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China. This incident raises pertinent questions about Thailand’s compliance with international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they risk torture or other forms of inhumane treatment.

These deported individuals are part of a larger group of approximately 350 Uyghurs who fled persecution in China’s Xinjiang region and were detained by Thai authorities in March 2014. They have reportedly been held in de facto incommunicado detention for over a decade, without legal representation, familial contact, or support from international bodies such as the UN. This is not the first instance; Thailand had previously forcibly returned 109 Uyghurs in 2015, which was met with international condemnation due to the associated human rights risks.

The Chinese government’s systemic repression of Uyghurs is well-documented, including mass arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and torture. Human rights experts and independent bodies have identified these actions as potentially amounting to crimes against humanity. In January 2025, a panel of UN experts cautioned Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees, highlighting their vulnerability to torture and severe health risks.

OMCT urges the Thai government to clarify the status of the deported Uyghurs and to prioritize their safety and well-being. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Thailand bears a responsibility to uphold human rights standards. The organization calls on Thailand to halt all forcible returns of Uyghurs and ensure independent medical care for all detainees.

Additionally, OMCT advocates for granting independent monitors access to the detainees, enhancing oversight of their conditions and treatment. They call upon Chinese authorities to disclose the fate of the deported individuals and safeguard their fundamental human rights, ensuring protection against torture and abuse.

In summary, the forced deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China raises serious human rights concerns and questions Thailand’s adherence to international obligations. OMCT emphasizes the importance of not returning individuals to environments where they are at risk of torture, urging for transparency and adherence to humane standards in treatment. The international community must continue to monitor and address these violations.

Original Source: www.omct.org