The UAA Statement on Thailand's Deportation of 40 Uyghur Men to China
Uyghur American Association Condemns Thailand's Deportation of 40 Uyghur Men to China
Washington, D.C. February 27, 2025
The Uyghur American Association (UAA) strongly condemns the Thai government's deportation of at least 40 Uyghur men to China. This shocking and inhumane act directly violates international law and Thailand's obligation under the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forced return of individuals to a country where they face persecution, torture, or worse.
For years, Uyghur refugees have sought safety abroad, fleeing China's ongoing genocide and brutal repression. The fate of the men deported last night is grim-while some have already popped up in Chinese State propaganda videos, China's well-documented history of mass internment, forced labor, torture, and extrajudicial killings leaves little doubt about the horrors these men will now face.
Despite urgent appeals from human rights organizations, governments, and the Uyghur diaspora, Thai authorities chose to comply with Beijing's demands rather than uphold human rights and international law. This is a disgraceful decision that echoes the 2015 deportation of 109 Uyghurs from Thailand to China. Those victims were never heard from again.
We hold the Thai government, and the Prime Minister, fully responsible for this grave violation of human rights, and we demand immediate accountability and transparency regarding the status of these men. We also call on the U.S. government, the United Nations, and all democratic nations to take urgent action:
Condemn Thailand's violation of international law and ensure no further deportations take place.
Press for information on the whereabouts and well-being of the deported Uyghurs.
Sanction Thai and Chinese officials involved in this atrocity.
Further strengthen the provision of safe resettlement options for Uyghur refugees worldwide.
The Uyghur American Association stands with the families of these men and with all Uyghurs seeking freedom and safety. This deportation is not just a tragedy, it is a call to action. The international community must act now to prevent further atrocities.
