Rights Activist Labels Uyghur Deportation as ‘Forced Repatriation’
Criticism of Thailand’s Actions
A human rights activist has condemned the Thai government’s handling of the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, calling it a case of forced repatriation, not a voluntary or transparent process as claimed by Thai officials.
Sunai Phasuk, Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch Thailand, sharply criticized the deportation, which took place on Thursday morning. He questioned the transparency of the process, pointing out that the vans transporting the Uyghurs from the Bangkok detention center were covered in black tape, and the deportation was carried out at 2 AM.
Concerns Over Human Rights Violations
Phasuk also expressed concerns over the assurances given by China that the Uyghurs would not face human rights abuses upon their return. He reminded the Thai government that in the past, Uyghurs repatriated to China had suffered severe human rights violations, raising doubts about the safety of those deported.
International Reactions
The international community, including governments from the United States and the United Kingdom, has condemned Thailand’s decision to repatriate the Uyghur group. Human rights organizations and global leaders have expressed concern over the treatment of Uyghurs in China, particularly in the Xinjiang region.
Allegations Against China
China has long faced criticism from human rights groups, Western governments, and the United Nations over its treatment of Uyghurs. Reports have highlighted mass arbitrary detentions, forced labor, and political indoctrination in what China refers to as “re-education” centers. Beijing, however, has denied these allegations, maintaining that the centers are part of efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.
This case continues to stir controversy, raising critical questions about the protection of refugees and the role of governments in addressing human rights concerns.
