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

Senator Marco Rubio intends to lobby Thailand to prevent 48 detained Uyghurs from being deported to China, where they could face persecution. This commitment reflects his potential influence on U.S.-China relations as tensions rise. The Uyghurs have been held in Thailand since 2014 under harsh conditions, prompting advocates to seek their protection and release.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, designated to lead the State Department under the incoming Trump administration, plans to persuade Thailand to refrain from repatriating 48 detained Uyghurs to China. Rights groups warn that these individuals could likely face severe persecution if returned. Rubio’s commitment indicates his potential influence on U.S.-China relations amid escalating tensions due to proposed tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump.

During a recent Senate hearing, Rubio responded affirmatively to a query from Senator Jeff Merkley regarding his advocacy for the Uyghurs. “Yes, and the good news is that Thailand is actually a very strong U.S. partner… diplomacy could really achieve results,” Rubio stated. He emphasized the urgent need to highlight the grim situation faced by Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region, where it is reported that approximately 1.8 million individuals have been detained in camps since 2017.

The Uyghurs have been held in Thailand’s Immigration Detention Center since 2014, following their attempts to escape persecution in China. According to the Campaign for Uyghurs, their conditions are dire, lacking access to legal support and essential healthcare. Recently, alarmed by news of potential deportation, the detainees initiated a hunger strike to garner support from the Uyghur community abroad.

Advocacy groups like Campaign for Uyghurs argue that deporting these individuals to China would contravene Thailand’s obligations under international law. Previously, Thailand was involved in repatriating over 100 Uyghurs to China in 2015, which severely damaged its international image. U.S. Representative Chris Smith remarked that succumbing to Chinese pressures would further harm Thailand’s standing in the global community.

Despite fears of immediate deportation, Turgunjan Alawdun, president of the World Uyghur Congress, announced that the 48 Uyghurs may no longer face such risks, attributing the news to confidential communications with Thai officials. The WUC is undertaking efforts to free the detainees, coordinating with U.S. lawmakers, the European Union, and rights organizations to secure their release and resettle them to safer countries.

This situation involves 48 Uyghur individuals who have been detained in Thailand for nearly a decade after fleeing from Chinese authorities. Rights organizations have raised concerns about their potential deportation back to China, where they are at risk of persecution amid a broader crackdown on the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. The international community, through various channels including U.S. authorities, continues to lobby for their protection under human rights frameworks.

In conclusion, Senator Marco Rubio’s advocacy for the detained Uyghurs in Thailand highlights the ongoing challenges faced by this ethnic group as they confront potential repatriation to China. The situation underscores the broader implications for Thailand’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. and its obligations under international human rights laws. Continuous efforts from various organizations aim to ensure the Uyghurs are released and provided safe resettlement options.

Original Source: www.benarnews.org