Today, Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party expressed concern over reports that Thai authorities plan to deport 48 Uyghur refugees to China.
In a joint statement, they said, "We are deeply concerned about Thai authorities’ reported plans to forcibly deport 48 Uyghur refugees to the People’s Republic of China, when third countries are willing to assume custody." They emphasized that such actions would violate international human rights norms that Thailand is obligated to uphold.
The statement highlighted the risks faced by these individuals if returned to China. "These individuals face a credible risk of imprisonment, torture, or death upon return to a regime that has systematically persecuted Uyghurs through mass internment, forced labor, and other grave abuses," they noted.
Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi urged Thailand to stop the deportations and allow resettlement in countries where the refugees would be safe from persecution. They warned that proceeding with deportations could harm U.S.-Thai relations. "Moving forward with this action would severely damage U.S.-Thai relations, and the U.S. would be forced to consider all available measures, including sanctions," they stated.
They reaffirmed U.S. commitment to defending Uyghur rights: "The U.S. remains steadfast in defending Uyghur rights and will hold accountable those who enable their persecution." The statement concluded with an appeal for Thailand to fulfill its international obligations and collaborate with international partners for a humane solution.
