Tell your Members of Congress: Don't let Thailand deport Uyghurs to China

In 2014, Thailand detained 300 Uyghurs fleeing China near the Malaysian border. In 2015, 109 of them were deported to China, which prompted an international outcry. While some of the remaining group have been sent to Turkey, 48 Uyghurs remain in detention in Thailand for seeking asylum. Five people have died while detained, including two children.

Now, there have been indications that Thailand is moving to deport the remaining Uyghur men to China, where they could face torture and even death.  AP News reported recently that China may be pressuring Thailand to take such action now under the belief that administration change in the United States will create a window of opportunity to avoid international outcry.

We insist that the international community intervene now and avoid setting a dangerous precedent for people vulnerable from authoritarian regimes worldwide.  

For More Information:

"Rubio vows to oppose Thai Uyghur deportations as US secretary of state," Voice of America, 18 January 2025

"Fearing Deportation, Uyghurs Held in Thailand Go on Hunger Strike," by Sui-Lee Wee and Nyrola Elima, New York Times, 19 January 2025