Thailand faces heightened scrutiny as 48 Uyghurs, predominantly Muslim minorities from China's Xinjiang region, remain detained in immigration centers across the country. The Uyghurs, who fled China over a decade ago, fear being forcibly returned, a move that could subject them to severe persecution. U.S. officials have labeled China's treatment of this group a "genocide," echoing global concerns about their safety if deported. Thai authorities, however, deny any plans to send the Uyghurs back to China, despite recent developments sparking fears of imminent deportation.
These Uyghurs were arrested in 2013 and 2014 after crossing into Thailand seeking asylum. They have lived in constant fear, reportedly detained in de facto incommunicado conditions without access to legal representation or family. Among them, 23 individuals suffer from serious health conditions, exacerbating their precarious situation. Despite claims of a hunger strike by the detainees to protest their treatment, Thai authorities have refuted these reports.
Thai officials assert that no deportation plans are underway. Kitrat Phanphet stated, "Thai police and the immigration department have not received any reports about the deportation." This assurance comes amid allegations from Human Rights Watch that Thai immigration officials recently gathered new paperwork and photographed the Uyghurs, actions perceived as preparations for their forcible transfer.
China's foreign ministry remains "not aware of the specific situation," while spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized Beijing's stance: "We resolutely crack down on any form of illegal migration and oppose any indulgence of or even support for illegal migrant behaviour." Meanwhile, a UN report from 2022 has highlighted severe human rights violations in Xinjiang, including torture and forced labor, casting doubt on Beijing's claims that its actions combat extremism through vocational training centers.
UN experts warn that returning the Uyghurs to China could lead to torture and other irreversible harm. They assert, "It is our view that these persons should not be returned to China… We are concerned they are at risk of suffering irreparable harm." The group detained in Thailand continues to urge authorities for access to asylum procedures and humanitarian aid.
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