The World Uyghur Congress condemned Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghur refugees to China, citing increased risks of persecution and human rights violations. The WUC criticized the Thai government’s actions and the failure of the UNHCR to protect these vulnerable individuals. They called for international accountability regarding this situation, highlighting the breach of international law and the dire consequences faced by deported refugees.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has harshly criticized Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees back to China, labeling this action as unlawful and endangering the individuals involved. The WUC emphasized that these refugees now face imminent risks of persecution and human rights violations under the Chinese government. A recent report noted that Thai Member of Parliament Romadon Panjor shared footage of detainees being transferred from an immigration facility to an airport for deportation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has not confirmed the details surrounding the deportation, causing concerns regarding Thailand’s international reputation. The WUC remarked that the situation undermines Thailand’s credibility in human rights matters and called for accountability, stating that the UNHCR has also failed to protect these vulnerable individuals sufficiently. The fate of the deported refugees appears dire, with potential for torture or severe mistreatment awaiting them in China.
The WUC highlighted that the Uyghur refugees, who fled oppression in East Turkistan, had been detained in Thailand since 2014. This recent deportation follows previous instances where 109 Uyghur detainees were forcibly sent back to China, despite assurances made to the UN Refugee Agency. The report stated that the remaining Uyghur refugees lacked legal representation and were denied refuge despite numerous international pleas for protection.
Failing to adhere to international laws, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, Thailand’s action to deport these refugees could lead to severe consequences, including indefinite detention or abuse in China. This principle explicitly prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they risk their lives and freedoms. Despite previous warnings from the WUC against such deportation actions, the Thai government proceeded without public acknowledgment of the risks involved.
In summary, the World Uyghur Congress has firmly condemned Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur refugees, labeling the action as unlawful and damaging to both the refugees’ safety and Thailand’s global standing. The WUC has called for urgent international intervention from the United Nations and the European Union to ensure accountability and protect the rights of the affected individuals. The lack of adequate protection for these refugees despite international appeals highlights a significant failure on the part of relevant agencies, including the UNHCR.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
