Senator Marco Rubio plans to lobby Thailand against the deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China, where they may face persecution. The situation highlights significant human rights concerns and the implications for U.S.-China relations under the incoming administration. Advocacy groups are actively campaigning for the detainees’ protection and ultimate release as they have been held in poor conditions for nearly a decade.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio plans to advocate with Thai officials to prevent the deportation of 48 ethnic Uyghurs currently in custody in Thailand. Rights organizations warn that their return to China could lead to severe persecution. This commitment signifies Rubio’s potential influence on U.S.-China relations during his expected tenure as Secretary of State under President Donald Trump’s administration. Rubio emphasized his intent during the Senate confirmation hearing, highlighting the strategic alliance between the U.S. and Thailand.

Rubio pointed out the urgent situation, stating it serves as a reminder of the ongoing persecution of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, where an estimated 1.8 million individuals from this ethnic minority are detained in camps. The Uyghurs have been held in Thailand since 2014 after trying to escape Chinese oppression, living under poor conditions without proper medical care or legal rights. Fearful of deportation, the Uyghurs initiated a hunger strike calling for international support against their potential return to China.

Legislators and advocacy groups have pressured Thailand, arguing that repatriation would violate its commitments under international human rights laws. Despite the pressure from China to repatriate these individuals, lawmakers argue that doing so would damage Thailand’s international reputation, particularly as it strives to improve its anti-trafficking record. Advocacy groups have urged the United Nations to intervene and advocate for the safety of these Uyghurs, emphasizing the need for Thailand to uphold its non-refoulement obligations.

Despite earlier reports of imminent deportation, the World Uyghur Congress has indicated that the Uyghurs may no longer be at immediate risk. They are coordinating efforts with U.S. lawmakers and international rights organizations to secure their freedom. Calls for the Uyghurs’ release continue as they have been detained for nearly a decade, with activists demanding that Thailand cease their prolonged detention and resettle them to safer countries.

The article discusses Senator Marco Rubio’s initiative to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghurs detained in Thailand, emphasizing the severe consequences they would likely face if returned to China. This situation occurs against the backdrop of strained U.S.-China relations and highlights ongoing concerns about human rights violations against the Uyghur population in China. The advocates’ efforts stress international obligations to protect refugees and uphold human rights standards amidst external pressures on Thailand.

Senator Rubio’s commitment to lobby Thailand signifies the broader implications of U.S. diplomacy concerning human rights issues, particularly affecting the Uyghur population. With advocacy groups and lawmakers actively working to prevent deportation, the situation underscores a critical intersection of human rights, international law, and diplomatic relations. Continued efforts are necessary to secure the release and safety of these detained individuals, maintaining pressure on Thailand to honor its international obligations.

Original Source: www.benarnews.org

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