Relatives Urge Thailand to Halt Deportation of 48 Uyghur Detainees Amid Human Rights Concerns

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Relatives of 48 Uyghur men detained in Thailand are appealing to authorities not to deport them back to China, fearing imminent return despite reassurances from Thai officials. The men have been in immigration detention in Bangkok for over a decade, following their escape from China during an exodus in 2013-2014. A UN panel has called for an immediate halt to any possible transfer, highlighting the risk of torture and other inhumane treatment upon their return.

Concerns intensified after some detainees initiated a hunger strike earlier this month, protesting against requests to sign documents for voluntary return. While Thailand denies plans for deportation, China's government has not commented on the ongoing situation, with its embassy in Thailand disputing reports concerning the detainees.

The men are part of a larger group that fled as part of an escape from severe repression faced by the Uyghur minority in China's Xinjiang region. Relatives fear for the health and safety of the detainees, as conditions in the detention center are reportedly poor, with overcrowding and inadequate nutrition.

Rights activists caution that returning the Uyghurs would violate the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals to countries where they may face persecution. The group's plight highlights the ongoing international scrutiny over China's treatment of Uyghurs and the complexities of refugee status in Southeast Asia.

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