UNHCR Condemns Forced Deportation of Uighurs from Thailand

UNHCR condemns the deportation of Uighurs from Thailand after years in detention, asserting it violates international law principles. The agency seeks to improve conditions for detained individuals and warns against forced returns. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela calls for an end to such practices, emphasizing legal protections for asylum seekers.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has condemned the deportation of approximately 40 Uighurs from Thailand after they spent over a decade in detention. Despite their expressed fear of returning to their home country, the UNHCR was denied access to these individuals to assess their situation, and the Thai authorities stated that no deportation decision had been made.

Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, highlighted that this action violates the principle of non-refoulement and Thailand’s international obligations. The right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement are clearly outlined in Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since 2014, UNHCR has raised concerns about the plight of these detainees and has called for improvements to their humanitarian conditions and the exploration of alternatives to detention. Menikdiwela emphasized the need for the Royal Thai Government to cease the forced repatriation of individuals who may face danger upon return.

The UNHCR’s condemnation of Thailand’s forced deportation of Uighurs raises critical concerns about international legal obligations and the rights of asylum seekers. The agency advocates for the protection of these individuals and stresses the necessity for the Thai government to ensure humane treatment and adequate alternatives to detention.

Original Source: www.unhcr.ca

About Liam Nguyen

Liam Nguyen is an insightful tech journalist with over ten years of experience exploring the intersection of technology and society. A graduate of MIT, Liam's articles offer critical perspectives on innovation and its implications for everyday life. He has contributed to leading tech magazines and online platforms, making him a respected name in the industry.

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