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Two detained Uyghurs fear forced return to China from Thailand
Thai human rights activists say two Uyghur men held in immigration detention risk being deported to China, where they could face serious abuse or disappearance. Their case raises concern that Thailand may again act on Beijing’s demands, after forcibly returning 40 Uyghur men last year despite appeals from the men and the UN.
The two men were arrested in Thailand in 2014 after fleeing China and were later sentenced to seven years in prison over an attempted escape from detention. Thai officials say they and three other Uyghurs still in prison have outstanding arrest warrants in China, though it is unclear whether China has formally sought their extradition. One man wrote that he would be “like a slave” if returned; the UN has said the 40 men deported last year remain unaccounted for.
In short
- Two Uyghur men in Thailand fear deportation to China.
- Thailand returned 40 Uyghurs last year; their whereabouts remain unknown.
- Rights groups are urging Thailand to let the men travel to safety.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Thailand should protect the two men from return if there is a credible risk of torture, disappearance or other serious abuse, consistent with its humanitarian responsibilities and the principle against returning people to such danger. Their long detention, stated fear and the fate of the 40 Uyghurs deported last year give particular weight to calls for independent assessment and safeguards before any transfer.
The case against
Thailand may argue that it must enforce its immigration and criminal laws, including addressing outstanding warrants, and that detention or return decisions should follow lawful procedures rather than be settled by public pressure alone. If China provides a valid legal basis and credible guarantees of humane treatment and monitoring, officials could say that cooperation is legitimate, provided an independent review finds the men would not face serious harm.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Uyghurs facing deportation by Thailand say they will be ‘like slaves’ in China”.