The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly condemned Thailand’s recent deportation of 40 ethnic Uyghurs to China, calling it a “clear violation of international human rights laws and standards.”
The deportations, which took place on Thursday, involved Uyghurs who had been held in Thai immigration detention facilities for over 11 years. Türk emphasized that returning them to China violates the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits deportation in cases where individuals face the risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other irreparable harm.
“This violates the principle of non-refoulement for which there is a complete prohibition in cases where there is a real risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other irreparable harm upon their return,” Türk stated.
The principle of non-refoulement is enshrined in international law, including Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Thailand is a party. It is also recognized in Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Thailand’s own domestic laws.
Türk noted that his office had repeatedly urged Thai authorities to respect their international legal obligations. “It is deeply regrettable that they have been forcibly returned,” he said, adding that it is now crucial for Chinese authorities to disclose their whereabouts and ensure their safety.
The deported men were part of a larger group of Uyghurs who had been detained in Thailand since March 2014. Held in poor conditions, five of them have died in custody over the years, and eight are believed to still be detained.
Türk urged Thailand to halt any further deportations and to ensure the protection of the remaining members of the group, including potential refugees and asylum-seekers, in line with international law.
“The Thai authorities must ensure there are no further deportations and that the remaining members of the group are fully protected,” he stated.
