Munich [Germany]: The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has welcomed the recent US State Department sanctions imposed on Thai officials involved in the deportation of Uyghur refugees to China.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the WUC praised the US for taking decisive action, stating:
“This decisive action sends a strong message that complicity in the persecution of Uyghurs will not go unpunished. We urge other governments to follow this example and take concrete measures to protect Uyghur refugees.”
Background of the Sanctions
- The US State Department announced on Friday that visa restrictions would be enforced against an unspecified number of current and former Thai officials responsible for deporting at least 40 Uyghur men to China.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the move was taken to hold those accountable for endangering the Uyghurs’ safety.
Human Rights Concerns
The deportation of Uyghur refugees has faced strong criticism from global human rights organizations.
- Amnesty International condemned Thailand’s actions, calling the deportation “unimaginably cruel.”
- Sarah Brooks, Amnesty’s China Director, warned that deported Uyghurs risk facing torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearance in China.
The Uyghur Crisis
The Uyghurs, a Muslim ethnic minority from China’s Xinjiang region, have faced severe persecution in recent years. Allegations against the Chinese government include:
- Mass detention in “re-education” camps
- Forced labour programs
- Intense surveillance measures
- Cultural suppression and torture
International human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned these actions as part of what is widely considered an attempt to erase Uyghur identity, culture, and religion.
Global Response
The WUC has urged more governments to take firm actions, emphasizing the need to protect Uyghur refugees from being forcibly returned to China. The call for accountability aims to deter further deportations and ensure international protection for vulnerable communities.