Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Thailand not to forcibly repatriating 48 Uyghur men to China on Friday. The group stated that the detainees have been imprisoned for more than 10 years and may face a high likelihood of severe human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and torture.
The group urged the Thai government to allow them access to refugee status determination processes. HRW’s statement underscores the principle of non-refoulement under international law, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution or harm.
The Uyghur men have been held in Thai immigration detention facilities for over a decade under conditions described as inhumane and degrading. Reports indicate that the detainees are subjected to overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation, leading to the deaths of at least five individuals during their detention. Despite repeated calls from international organizations and offers of assistance from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Thailand has resisted efforts to facilitate their resettlement in third countries. Instead, the Thai government has reportedly yielded to pressure from China, raising concerns that the detainees may soon face forced repatriation.
In a letter dated January 10, 2025, the detainees themselves expressed their grave fears of persecution if returned to China, citing risks of imprisonment or even execution. In a desperate act of protest, they have initiated a hunger strike to draw attention to their plight and appeal for international intervention. HRW has emphasised that Thailand’s actions contravene its obligations under customary international law and treaties, such as the Convention Against Torture, which Thailand has ratified.
Independent journalist group The New Humanitarian reported that the Thai National Security Council has framed the issue as a national security rather than a humanitarian concern, effectively limiting access to refugee protection mechanisms. This stance has obstructed efforts by UNHCR and other stakeholders to provide durable solutions for the detainees. In 2015, Thailand forcibly deported over 100 Uyghurs to China despite widespread international condemnation, setting a precedent that heightens fears for the current detainees.
The origins of this crisis date back to March 2014, when Thai authorities detained approximately 220 Uyghurs in Songkhla province near the Malaysian border. While some were eventually allowed to travel to Türkiye, a country with cultural and linguistic ties to the Uyghur community, many others remained in detention under harsh conditions. The continued detention of these individuals raises serious questions about Thailand’s adherence to international human rights standards and its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
This case highlights broader challenges surrounding refugee protection in Southeast Asia and underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action. As global attention intensifies, Thailand faces mounting pressure to prioritise humanitarian considerations over political expediency and ensure that its policies align with international law.
