BANGKOK — A group of 43 Uyghur men, who have been in detention in Thailand for more than ten years, are facing potential deportation to China, raising serious concerns among human rights activists and the families of these individuals. The men fear they may suffer abuse or torture if they are forcibly returned to their homeland.
In a letter, these detainees urgently appealed for international intervention, warning, “We could be imprisoned, and we might even lose our lives.” They implore human rights organizations and nations to take immediate action to prevent what they describe as an imminent crisis.
The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group predominantly Muslim, residing mainly in the Xinjiang region of China. Following years of tension with the Chinese government, which includes accusations of discrimination against their cultural identity, the situation escalated into a severe crackdown. Many Western nations have labeled this crackdown as a form of genocide, with reports indicating that hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs have been sent to re-education camps, where former detainees have recounted experiences of abuse and neglect.
In 2014, Thai authorities apprehended over 300 Uyghurs attempting to flee China, which led to significant concerns when, in 2015, Thailand deported 109 detainees back to China despite widespread international criticism. Another group of 173 fled to Turkey, leaving behind 53 individuals still seeking asylum, of whom five have died while in custody, including two minors.
Among the current detainees, five are serving sentences due to a failed escape attempt. It remains uncertain if they share the same fate as those confined in immigration detention. Family members and advocates describe the conditions as dire, criticizing the Thai government for inadequate food, overcrowded cells, a lack of sanitary supplies, and prohibitions on communication with outside parties. A letter from UN human rights experts highlighted potential violations of international law regarding the treatment of these detainees.
While the Thai immigration police maintain that they are doing their best to attend to the detainees’ needs, reports indicate that on January 8, officials asked the Uyghurs to sign papers for voluntary deportation. This raised alarms among the detainees, recalling similar coercive tactics employed before a previous group was sent back to China. The Uyghurs collectively refused to sign the documents.
Conversations within the Thai government about the deportation of these men have reportedly taken place. Observers suggest that this push for deportation coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, alongside the possibility that U.S. opposition may be muted due to the impending presidential transition. Despite these claims, officials have yet to formalize any deportation orders.
The Chinese government alleges that Uyghurs are involved in terrorist activities, although no evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. Human rights advocates argue that the detainees are innocent and could face severe persecution, imprisonment, or even death if returned to China.
“There’s no evidence that the 43 Uyghurs have committed any crime,” stated Peter Irwin, Associate Director for Research and Advocacy at the Uyghur Human Rights Project. He emphasized that their flight from China aligns with their rights under international law.
On a recent visit to the detention center, it appeared to be quiet, and a guard reported that it was closed until the following Monday. Direct sources indicated that all detained Uyghurs have submitted asylum petitions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, with the agency acknowledging receipt of these applications. However, the Thai government has barred UN representatives from visiting the men.
Family members expressed profound worry about their loved ones’ safety. Bilal Ablet, whose brother is among the detainees, said, “We are all in the same situation — constant worry and fear.” He also noted that Thai officials misleadingly stated that no other countries were willing to accept the Uyghurs. However, an April 2023 letter from the chairwoman of Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission suggested otherwise, indicating that some nations were prepared to resettle the detainees.
Abdullah Muhammad, a Uyghur residing in Turkey, lamented the plight of his father, who is also detained in Thailand. He voiced confusion over the situation, asserting, “We have nothing to do with terrorism and we have not committed any terrorism.”
