The UAA Statement on Recent Threat of Uyghur Deportations from Thailand to China
Jan 16, 2025
Contact: social@uyghuraa.org
The Uyghur American Association (UAA) expresses deep concern over recent reports indicating that the Thai government is preparing to deport Uyghur refugees to China, where they face a high risk of persecution, imprisonment, or even death.
In 2014, over 300 Uyghurs fleeing oppression in China were detained by Thai authorities near the Malaysian border. The following year, Thailand forcibly repatriated 109 of these individuals to China, prompting international condemnation. Another group of 173 Uyghurs, primarily women and children, were permitted to resettle in Turkey. Currently, 48 Uyghur men remain in prolonged detention in Thailand, enduring harsh conditions without access to adequate medical care or legal representation.
On January 8, 2025, Thai immigration officials reportedly presented these detainees with voluntary deportation papers, which they refused to sign, fearing the severe repercussions of returning to genocidal China. This development has raised alarms among Uyghurs in diaspora, human rights organizations, and the international community.
The UAA is particularly alarmed by the possibility of these deportations occurring amidst growing diplomatic pressure between Thailand and China, potentially linked to the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese relations. This highlights the broader geopolitical factors influencing Thailand's decision-making process, making it more urgent for the international community to take decisive action.
The 48 Uyghur detainees have endured deplorable conditions for nearly a decade. In protest of their prolonged detention and imminent deportation, the detainees have reportedly initiated a hunger strike. This courageous act underscores the gravity of the situation and their desperate need for international intervention.
The UAA urges the Thai government to adhere to its obligations under international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they are likely to face torture or persecution. We call upon Thailand to halt any plans for deportation and to work with international agencies to find a safe and humane resolution for these refugees.
It is also critical that Thailand honor its own anti-torture laws and act in line with the recommendation of Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has called for the immediate release and resettlement of the detainees. Despite this, Thai authorities have failed to take any meaningful steps toward resolving their plight.
The UAA has been working with the U.S. government, civil society groups, and our partners to amplify the voice and rights of the 48 Uyghurs in Thailand. As part of these efforts, UAA is holding a rally in front of the Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Friday, January 17, 2025. We also appeal to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to prioritize this case and leverage its mandate to facilitate the resettlement of these vulnerable individuals. However, we are deeply concerned by reports indicating that the UNHCR has hesitated to act—partly due to concerns over provoking China and jeopardizing its funding. This lack of urgency from international bodies further exacerbates the failure of the global refugee protection system.
We also call upon the international community to exert diplomatic pressure on Thailand to ensure the safety of these detainees. The ongoing genocidal actions of the Chinese government against Uyghurs are well-documented, and the world cannot afford to ignore the plight of these refugees. The United States and other democratic nations must hold China accountable for its transnational repression and offer resettlement pathways for these individuals to prevent their deportation.
As part of this broader advocacy, UAA welcomes the support of U.S. legislators, including Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Uyghur Congressional Caucus, who has expressed alarm at the Thai government's actions, underscoring the stakes of this crisis.
The UAA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of Uyghurs worldwide. We call on the global community to act urgently to prevent the deportation of these refugees and ensure their protection from a regime that has shown a flagrant disregard for human rights.
