Thailand has deported at least 40 Uighurs to China’s Xinjiang region, despite warnings from activists and human rights groups about the risk of torture and ill-treatment. The Uighurs were detained in Bangkok and were at risk of “irreparable harm” if returned to China. Thailand’s Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, confirmed the deportation and said that China had assured their safety. However, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has denounced the move, labeling it a violation of international law and the principle of non-refoulement. The UNHCR’s assistant high commissioner for protection, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, stated that the Thai government has an obligation to adhere to these principles under international law. Rights groups have been critical of China’s treatment of Uighurs, which includes mass detention and persecution.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/27/thailand-deports-48-uighurs-to-china-despite-human-rights-concerns?traffic_source=rss