February 27, 2025
No Business With Genocide is deeply outraged and heartbroken by the Thai government’s decision to forcibly deport at least 40 Uyghur men to China last night, despite overwhelming evidence that they will face likely imprisonment, torture, and even enforced disappearance. This deportation is a blatant violation of international law, which prohibits the forced return of individuals to countries where they are at risk of persecution.
Since news of the imminent deportation broke in January, we, —alongside human rights organizations, Uyghur advocates, and policymakers—worked tirelessly to prevent this outcome. We urged Thai authorities to uphold their moral and legal obligations and provide these men with protection. We urged the U.S. government and governments of many other countries to help to safely resettle these men in a third country. Thailand has chosen to bow to Beijing’s pressure, condemning these men to an uncertain and likely horrific fate.
Government Relations Manager at No Business With Genocide, Julie Millsap, stated:
“This act of complicity by the Thai government is not only a betrayal of basic human rights and a violation of international law, but is also a stain on the conscience of the international community. It underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for Uyghur refugees and real consequences for governments that enable China’s transnational repression.”
“We will not be silent. We demand immediate transparency from Thailand and China on the fate of these men. We call on governments to demand access to the men. We call on governments around the world to take decisive action to protect Uyghur refugees. We call on governments to sanction both Chinese and Thai officials that were involved in this, and to pursue all options for accountability, and pressure China to end its ongoing genocide of the Uyghur people.”
“We are thankful for the dedicated support of so many kind-hearted members of Congress, congressional staff, and government officials who fought hard against this. The fight is not over. Now is the time for moral courage. The world must not look away.”
Julie Millsap, Government Relations Manager
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