The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has raised serious concerns over Thailand’s forced deportation of Uyghurs to China. This follows the detention of approximately 350 Uyghurs in Thailand since 2014 and highlights violations of the non-refoulement principle regarding individuals vulnerable to torture. UN experts warned of the health risks to the detainees, emphasizing Thailand’s international obligations to prevent such deportations and ensure humane treatment of remaining detainees.
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has expressed profound concern over the forced deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China, detained since 2014. This action raises critical questions regarding Thailand’s compliance with international legal obligations, particularly the non-refoulement principle, which protects individuals from being returned to countries where they face a risk of torture or 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 arrested by Thai authorities in March 2014. For over ten years, they have reportedly been held incommunicado, lacking access to legal support or contact with family members, alongside the absence of oversight from international human rights organizations. Thailand previously returned 109 Uyghurs to China in 2015, an action that was widely criticized due to the documented risks they face upon return.
The Chinese government’s systematic repression against Uyghurs is well documented, highlighting widespread human rights abuses, including unlawful detentions and torture. International experts have characterized these actions as potentially qualifying as crimes against humanity, thereby emphasizing the urgent need for Thailand to act in accordance with human rights protections.
In January 2025, UN experts cautioned the Thai government against deporting an additional 48 Uyghur detainees, stressing the risk of severe human rights violations they could face if returned. The experts noted the deteriorating health of 23 of these detainees, underscoring the life-threatening risks associated with their forced return, which starkly violates Thailand’s international commitments.
As a recent member of the UN Human Rights Council, Thailand is urged to uphold high human rights standards. OMCT demands immediate clarification on the status and safety of the deported Uyghurs and calls for an end to all forced returns to China, in strict adherence to the principle of non-refoulement. Thailand must ensure that all Uyghur detainees receive independent medical care and that their detention conditions align with international standards. Moreover, UN entities should be granted expedited access to remaining detainees for health assessments and oversight.
The forced deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China raises serious human rights concerns, highlighting Thailand’s obligations under international law. The deteriorating health of detainees and the risk of torture underscore the urgency of halting such actions. OMCT calls for Thailand to ensure the safety of the deported individuals and to provide independent oversight for all remaining detainees, reinforcing the necessity of adhering to human rights standards. Furthermore, it is crucial for the Chinese authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the deported Uyghurs and ensure their protection against human rights abuses.
Original Source: www.omct.org
