Secretary Rubio: Keep Your Promise to Uyghur Refugees in Thailand

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Tell Secretary of State Rubio to keep his promise to the Uyghur refugees facing imminent deportation in Thailand.

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 Secretary of State 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

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To: Secretary of State Marco Rubio
From: [Your Name]

In your recent confirmation hearings, you expressed your interest in helping the Uyghurs who have been held captive by Thailand for the last eleven years. Now that you have been confirmed, I hope you will use your position to secure their freedom and not allow their deportation to China where they will be tortured and most likely murdered.

You have consistently been a champion for religious liberty around the globe. Please move quickly to help these people who are being held in response to Chinese pressure, for no other reason than their ethnicity and desire to practice their own religion.

The situation is dire and the need for action is immediate. Please do not delay in working to free these political prisoners.