Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister acknowledged offers from other countries to resettle 40 detained Uyghurs, contrasting earlier statements. The minister deemed these proposals “unrealistic” due to potential retaliation from China, ultimately supporting their return. Meanwhile, the silence from Muslim-majority countries and human rights groups brings attention to the broader implications of China’s influence in the region.
Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister, Russ Jalichandra, revealed that the country received offers from other nations to resettle 40 detained Uyghurs, marking a change in tone from previous official statements. These proposals were deemed “unrealistic” as they could provoke retaliation from China, negatively impacting Thai livelihoods. The minister indicated that returning the Uyghurs to China was perceived as the most feasible choice, without specifying the countries that extended resettlement offers.
On February 27, Thailand deported the 40 Uyghurs to China, disregarding warnings from the United States, the United Nations, and human rights organizations regarding potential torture they might face upon return to Xinjiang, where they had fled over a decade ago. The Thai government described this action as voluntary repatriation in response to a Chinese request, assured by Beijing of the individuals’ safety.
The statement from Jalichandra followed comments from Thai opposition parliament member, Kannavee Suebsang, who stated that countries like the U.S., Sweden, and Australia had expressed willingness to accept the Uyghurs. “We’re revealing this because the government has consistently claimed that no country was willing or that they contacted countries but no one would accept the Uyghurs,” said Suebsang.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed prior offers were made to resettle the Uyghurs, emphasizing years of cooperation with Thailand to prevent such deportations. The spokesperson stated, “We have worked with Thailand for years to avoid this situation, including by consistently and repeatedly offering to resettle the Uyghurs in other countries, including, at one point, the United States.”
The Uyghurs in Xinjiang have reportedly faced significant human rights abuses, including detention in extensive concentration camps, allegations that China refutes. Following the deportation, China asserted that the men would reunite with families and be resettled but provided no further details.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) criticized the Thai government for handing over the Uyghurs, describing it as a betrayal to individuals facing oppression. CAIR’s Deputy Director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, lamented the lack of response from Muslim governments, highlighting the influence of the Chinese government as a potential deterrent for vocal opposition against their actions.
Abdulhakim Idris, of the Uyghur Research Center, noted the muted reaction of Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia and Malaysia, which may stem from China’s economic dominance in the region. He expressed disappointment that countries typically quick to criticize issues concerning Muslims were silent on the Uyghurs’ plight, calling it hypocrisy amid their broader advocacy.
This article outlines Thailand’s recent acknowledgment of offers from other countries to resettle detained Uyghurs, which contrasts previous statements minimizing international support. It highlights the complexities around China’s influence on regional responses, especially among Muslim-majority nations, and sheds light on the human rights implications stemming from the repatriation. As global discussions continue, the importance of international cooperation and advocacy for the Uyghurs remains critical.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
