The U.S. and other nations offered to resettle over 40 Uyghurs held in Thailand before they were deported back to China, raising concerns about their safety. Thailand’s vice minister denied serious offers for resettlement, while the U.S. criticized the decision as a violation of international law. The situation underscores the broader human rights issues faced by Uyghurs in China and the geopolitical dynamics at play.
The United States, along with other nations, made several proposals to Thailand for resettling over 40 Uyghur men prior to their deportation back to China, where there are significant concerns regarding their safety and potential abuse. The Uyghurs, who had been held in Thai custody since 2014 after fleeing repression in Xinjiang, were transferred from their detention facility in Bangkok last week during nighttime hours.
In response to inquiries from The Associated Press, the U.S. State Department expressed that they had engaged with Thailand for years to prevent this situation, consistently offering resettlement opportunities, including in the United States. However, Thai officials, including Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Russ Jalichandra, contended that no legitimate offers were made, suggesting that commitment from third countries would require negotiation with China.
The U.S. State Department criticized Thailand’s decision to deport the Uyghurs, stating that it violated Thailand’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture. The department emphasized that the commitment to protect individuals at risk of persecution is not negotiable with the country responsible for the persecution.
Russ Jalichandra indicated that Thailand’s agreement to send the Uyghurs to China might have been influenced by concerns over repercussions from Beijing had they been allowed asylum elsewhere. He labeled the idea of resettling them in a third country unrealistic, citing potential impacts on Thailand.
International reports have indicated that over 1 million minorities, including Uyghurs, have been detained in China’s expansive re-education centers, facing torture and forced assimilation efforts. China maintains that its policies aim to promote stability and economic development in Xinjiang, rejecting any allegations of wrongdoing.
Since their apprehension for immigration violations in 2014, many Uyghurs have been held in Thailand. Past instances include the deportation of over 100 males to China in 2015, which drew significant global backlash. Recently, as part of an operation on February 27, several Uyghurs were covertly returned to China, causing further tension regarding human rights standards. Eight Uyghurs are still believed to be in Thailand, but their current status is uncertain.
Human rights organizations condemned the deportations, asserting that they place the individuals at grave risk. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, criticized Thailand for breaching international human rights laws, urging that the remaining Uyghurs not be sent back to China. He called for transparency from China regarding the treatment of those deported.
In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected accusations of legal violations, asserting that the rights of repatriated individuals were respected and stating that they are returning to normal lives after their extended detentions abroad.
AP writer Jintamas Saksornchai contributed to this story.
In summary, the U.S. State Department revealed that multiple offers for resettlement of Uyghur men were made to Thailand before their deportation to China. Criticism has been directed at Thailand for violating international agreements, as the deportees may face severe human rights abuses. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the treatment of Uyghurs and the geopolitical complexities involved in their asylum and deportation processes.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
