The European Parliament has condemned Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China, citing violations of international law and the high risk of torture and human rights abuses that the deportees may face. The resolution emphasizes the importance of supporting Uyghur refugees and holds China accountable for the treatment of these individuals.
On March 14, the European Parliament condemned Thailand’s decision to deport 40 Uyghurs back to China, citing violations of international law. This resolution underscores the serious risks these deportees may face, including arbitrary detention and torture, emphasizing the offers from other countries to accept the refugees. The deported individuals had been under detention in Bangkok for over ten years after fleeing from China in 2014.
The resolution highlights that previous experiences of Uyghurs indicate a high likelihood of severe punishment upon return. For instance, two Uyghurs, Memet Awut and Turdi Abla, who abandoned their escape plans in 2014, were later imprisoned for nine years. These men had initially attempted to flee to China’s southern provinces but returned due to the dangers associated with escaping.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy indicated that after returning to family, the deportees would participate in “vocational skills training.” The Chinese government claims that nearly 2 million Uyghurs in Xinjiang camps are in vocational training centers, while many reports highlight forced labor conditions.
While the EU’s resolution did not address the camps directly, it called for China to respect the rights of returned individuals and ensure transparency regarding their whereabouts. Furthermore, the resolution recognized Thailand as a significant partner to the EU and encouraged the country to enhance its institutions in alignment with democratic and human rights standards.
The European Parliament’s resolution condemning Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs emphasizes the potential human rights abuses these individuals may suffer upon their return to China. It highlights previous patterns of severe punishment faced by Uyghurs escaping from China. Moreover, the resolution reflects on the broader implications for international relations, urging Mexico to respect human rights while acknowledging its partnership with the EU.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
