(BANGKOK, March 12, 2025)—On March 19, 2025, Thailand’s parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights raised concern about the problematic forced return of Uyghur refugees by Thai authorities on February 27, 2025.
The committee highlighted issues during a press conference held following a meeting with the National Security Council and the Immigration Bureau. During the press conference, a committee spokesperson said:
The Anti-Torture Act must be reviewed with frontline officials to ensure a common understanding. Otherwise, problems like this will persist, with interpretations favoring those who enforce the law. There must be proof that individuals who are sent back are not subjected to torture or ill-treatment under Section 13, and Thai government must be responsible for verifying this.
The statement echoed key points raised by Fortify Rights in a news release published on February 28, 2The statement echoed key points raised by Fortify Rights in a news release published in English and Thai languages on February 28, 2025 about the forced returns.
Additionally, Fortify Rights privately shared with the committee members information on the Thai authorities’ involvement in pushing back some 40 Uyghur refugees to China where they face likely persecution. Fortify Rights, along with 35 human rights groups, also endorsed an open letter to the chair of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, advocating for an investigation into the forced return.