Marco Rubio Advocates for Uyghurs Detained in Thailand Against Deportation to China

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio intends to lobby Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 detained Uyghurs back to China, where they would likely face persecution. His advocacy comes amid ongoing discussions about U.S.-China relations, with Thailand being urged to recognize its international obligations regarding human rights. Despite some indications of safety for the Uyghurs, their continued detention raises ongoing concerns.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, nominated to lead the State Department under the incoming Trump administration, has pledged to lobby Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 detained Uyghurs back to China. Rights groups warn that these individuals face severe persecution if repatriated. Rubio’s involvement highlights the potential for impactful U.S.-Thailand relations amid tension with China, particularly regarding President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods.

During a Senate confirmation hearing, Rubio responded affirmatively when asked by Senator Jeff Merkley about advocating against the Uyghurs’ deportation. Rubio asserted that Thailand, a key U.S. ally, presents an opportunity for effective diplomacy. He emphasized the need to raise awareness of the human rights abuses Uyghurs endure in China, where many have been detained in camps since 2017.

The 48 detained Uyghurs have been held in poor conditions in Thailand since 2014 after attempting to escape Chinese persecution. Reports indicate that they have experienced limited contact with the outside world and insufficient access to healthcare. Consequently, the detainees initiated a hunger strike to protest their potential deportation, calling for international assistance.

Advocacy organizations contend that Thailand’s repatriation of the Uyghurs would violate international law, specifically relating to the Convention Against Torture. The group of Uyghurs is part of a larger cohort that faced various fates, including 172 resettled in Turkey and 109 sent back to China.

Recently, U.S. Representative Chris Smith highlighted China’s reported pressure on Thailand to deport the remaining Uyghurs, predicting that such actions would tarnish Thailand’s international reputation. Smith insisted that Thailand should comply with international obligations to protect individuals at risk of human rights violations.

Despite concerns, there are indications from the World Uyghur Congress that the detained Uyghurs may no longer face immediate deportation threats. This organization believes that a previous deportation case damaged Thailand’s diplomatic standing. While the situation remains unclear, calls for their release to a safe third country continue as they have held in detention for nearly a decade.

The situation involves 48 Uyghur individuals who have been held in Thailand since 2014, seeking refuge from persecution in China. The Uyghurs belong to an ethnic minority community that has faced systematic repression, leading to widespread detentions in China’s Xinjiang region. Human rights organizations have alerted the international community about the severe implications these individuals would face if forcibly repatriated to China, including possible detention and mistreatment. The U.S.-Thailand relationship is critical in this context, especially with the incoming administration’s stance on China. Marco Rubio’s nomination as Secretary of State hints at a more pronounced focus on human rights during diplomatic engagements, particularly concerning China’s treatment of Uyghurs and the need for allies like Thailand to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Senator Marco Rubio’s commitment to lobby Thailand against the deportation of detained Uyghurs highlights significant human rights concerns and emphasizes the importance of U.S.-Thailand relations. While advocacy groups report an absence of immediate repatriation threats for these individuals, their ongoing detention warrants continued scrutiny. As diplomatic efforts continue, the plight of the Uyghurs remains emblematic of broader issues of persecution and human rights abuses in China.

Original Source: www.benarnews.org