The World Uyghur Congress condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees back to China, criticizing it as an unlawful act that increases the risk of persecution and grave human rights violations. The WUC has urged international bodies to take action and called the incident a significant breach of human rights and international law.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has strongly condemned Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees back to China, stating that this forced repatriation places these individuals at grave risk of persecution and severe human rights violations by the Chinese authorities. WUC’s statement emphasized the unlawful nature of the deportation, highlighting the perilous situation that these individuals now face.
Reports indicate that a Thai Member of Parliament, Romadon Panjor, shared a video showing a large detention vehicle at the Suan Phlu immigration center, which preceded the detainees’ transfer to an airport for deportation. In light of recent events, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra refrained from confirming whether the deportation had indeed taken place.
The WUC asserted that Thailand’s reputation has been tarnished because of this incident and urged that the nation be held accountable for violating human rights. The President of the WUC criticized the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its inadequate protection of vulnerable groups, expressing deep concern for the uncertain futures of the deported individuals.
The refugees had fled oppression in East Turkistan and had been arbitrarily detained in Thailand since 2014, with previous instances of deportation resulting in serious consequences for those returned to China. According to the WUC, the remaining Uyghurs faced denial of legal aid and humanitarian protections despite numerous international appeals for assistance.
The deportation is viewed as a breach of international law, especially violating the non-refoulement principle, which prevents sending individuals back to countries where they may face life-threatening situations. Past deportations of Uyghurs to China have led to severe mistreatment, indefinite detention, or even disappearance, further alarming human rights advocates.
The WUC has previously called on the Thai government to refrain from deportations, warning that such actions not only endanger lives but also damage Thailand’s human rights commitments. The organization now urges the Thai government to clarify the situation regarding the deported individuals.
The deportation of Uyghur refugees from Thailand to China has led to international condemnation, with the WUC calling this act a violation of human rights and international law. The situation raises serious concerns about the fate of those deported and Thailand’s commitment to human rights standards. The WUC urges swift action from global bodies to hold Thailand accountable and protect vulnerable populations from persecution.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
