UNHCR condemned Thailand for the forced deportation of about 40 Uighurs after they spent over 10 years in detention. Despite expressing fear of return, the group faced imminent deportation, which UNHCR characterized as a violation of international law. The agency has called for Thailand to cease such actions and improve the conditions for asylum seekers.
GENEVA – The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep regret regarding the deportation of approximately 40 Uighurs after they had spent over a decade in detention centers in Thailand. Reports indicated that this group in Bangkok was facing imminent deportation despite their expressed fears of return, prompting UNHCR to seek both access to the individuals and reassurances from Thai authorities regarding their status.
Despite UNHCR’s efforts to engage, access to the group was denied, and the Royal Thai Government maintained that no decision had been finalized concerning their deportation. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, stated, “This is a clear violation of the principle of non-refoulement and the Royal Thai Government’s obligations under international law.”
The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals back to places where they may face danger, is upheld in various legal frameworks, including Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UNHCR has consistently raised concerns about the treatment of this group since 2014, advocating for improvements in their humanitarian situation and alternatives to detention.
UNHCR has called upon the Royal Thai Government to cease the forced repatriation of individuals. Menikdiwela emphasized the importance of adhering to international protections to safeguard the rights of those seeking asylum.
The UNHCR’s condemnation of Thailand’s forced deportation of Uighurs highlights significant concerns regarding human rights and protection obligations. The agency urges Thailand to respect international laws on non-refoulement and improve the conditions for detainees. The ongoing situation reflects broader issues of asylum seekers’ rights and governmental responsibilities under international conventions.
Original Source: www.unhcr.ca
