The Thai government forcibly repatriated 40 Uyghurs to China last month, sparking condemnation from the international community. The whereabouts of these Uyghurs are now widely scrutinized. On March 18, the New York-based international human rights organization “Human Rights Watch” issued a statement urging the Thai government to publicly pressure the Chinese authorities to allow unrestricted access to these 40 Uyghurs and truthfully report on their situation.
According to reports from Radio Free Asia, Human Rights Watch’s statement pointed out that Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Pumtam Vejachai and Minister of Justice Tawi Sodsong are expected to lead a Thai official and journalist delegation to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from March 18 to 20. Thai authorities stated that officials intend to inspect the conditions of the 40 Uyghur men who were forcibly returned to China on February 27.
In response, Elaine Pearson, the Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division, emphasized in the statement that Thailand should not participate in the Chinese government’s “carefully orchestrated” plan but rather restore its tarnished international reputation due to the forced repatriation.
On February 27, Thai authorities repatriated 40 Uyghurs to China. Following the announcement, human rights organizations and several countries’ officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UNHCR officials, issued statements condemning the repatriation.
On March 2, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand claimed that the 40 Uyghurs had been reunited with their families after “going through legal procedures”, and the local government would assist them with employment and skills training. China also invited Thai officials to Xinjiang to “witness” the reunions and expressed willingness to continue allowing follow-up visits. However, this narrative failed to quell international concerns.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on March 14 that visa restrictions would be imposed on Thai officials involved in the repatriation. He underscored that the US opposes any country forcibly repatriating Uyghurs to China, where they face “genocide”.
Thai Prime Minister Peetontan has stated that the Chinese government promised not to punish or mistreat the repatriated individuals, but Human Rights Watch argues that, based on previous cases, such assurances from China lack credibility.
Human Rights Watch called on the Thai government to disclose the current whereabouts of these 40 Uyghurs, allow UN officials and diplomats unhindered access to verify their conditions, and cease further repatriation of Uyghurs still in Thailand.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch urged the Thai government to allow Uyghur asylum seekers to contact the UNHCR in Thailand and comply with relevant international legal obligations.