UN Condemns Deportation of Uyghur Turks

thailand - UN Refugee Agency criticizes Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghur Turks after more than 10 years in detention.

UN Refugee Agency Condemns Deportation of Uyghur Turks

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has issued a statement condemning the deportation of 40 Uyghur Turks from Thailand after over a decade in detention.

The UNHCR expressed deep sadness over the deportation of the Uyghur Turks who had been held in detention centers in Thailand for more than 10 years. The agency stated that it had received reports that a group of Uyghur Turks detained in Bangkok would be deported soon, despite its repeated requests for access to the group and assurances from Thai authorities that they would not be deported due to fear of refoulement. However, access was not granted, and Thai authorities later confirmed that a decision had been made to deport the group.

Concerns about the detention of this group have been raised since 2014, with calls to Thai authorities to improve their humanitarian situation, provide alternatives to detention, and seek feasible and safe solutions. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR, highlighted that this situation is a clear violation of the non-refoulement principle and Thailand's obligations under international law.

Menikdiwela called on Thailand to end the practice of forced returns, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principle of non-refoulement and Thailand's international legal obligations.