The United States has strongly condemned Thailand’s forced deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, expressing deep concern over their fate under the Chinese government, which has been widely accused of human rights abuses against the ethnic minority group.
In a press statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the deportations, stating that Uyghurs forcibly returned to China face a grave risk of persecution, forced labor, and torture.
U.S. Calls Thailand’s Actions a Violation of International Obligations
The U.S. government emphasized that Thailand’s actions contradict its international commitments, particularly under the:
✔ United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)
✔ International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
“As Thailand’s longstanding ally, we are alarmed by this decision, which threatens fundamental human rights protections. It runs counter to Thailand’s historic commitment to providing refuge to vulnerable communities,” Secretary Rubio stated.
The U.S. further urged all governments to refrain from deporting Uyghurs to China, citing the serious risks they face under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
China’s Human Rights Record Under Scrutiny
China has been widely accused of committing genocide and crimes against humanity against the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang region. Reports from the United Nations, human rights organizations, and independent investigations have documented:
🔴 Mass arbitrary detentions in internment camps
🔴 Forced labor programs
🔴 Severe restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms
🔴 Systematic torture and repression
The U.S. State Department reiterated its demand for China to grant full international access to the repatriated Uyghurs to verify their safety and well-being.
What Happens Next?
The Biden administration has urged the Thai government to monitor the treatment of the returned Uyghurs and ensure that China upholds its human rights commitments. The U.S. has also pledged to continue working with international allies to protect Uyghurs seeking asylum.