A scene from the "European Parliament debate on democratic principles and human rights in Thailand, notably the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees" held in Strasbourg, France, March 2025. RFA/Ekrem
The European Parliament has strongly condemned Thailand's deportation of Uyghur refugees to China and urged the Thai government to halt further forced returns, warning that such actions place lives at risk. In a resolution adopted with 482 votes in favor, 57 against, and 68 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) emphasized the need for Thailand to improve its human rights record and align with democratic principles.
13 March 2025
Deportation of Uyghur Refugees
MEPs expressed deep concern over Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur refugees to China, where they face persecution and grave human rights violations. The European Parliament called on Thailand to stop further forced deportations and to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) unrestricted access to all Uyghur asylum seekers in detention. Additionally, MEPs urged Thailand to provide transparent information regarding the status and treatment of these refugees.
The resolution also called for the suspension of Thailand's extradition treaties with China until guarantees can be provided regarding the protection of deported Uyghurs' fundamental rights.
Dolkun Isa, former president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), alongside WUC Vice President Zumretay Arkin and Media and Public Relations head Iptikhar Tengritagh, attended the European Parliament debate on democratic principles and human rights in Thailand. Strasbourg, France, 12 March 2025.
European Parliament Debate Includes Uyghur Representatives
On 12 March, at the European Union headquarters in Strasbourg, a debate was held on the "European Parliament’s resolution on democratic principles and human rights in Thailand, notably the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees." The debate was attended by Dolkun Isa, former president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), as well as the WUC Vice President Zumretay Arkin and the head of WUC's Media and Public Relations department, Iptikhar Tengritagh. Their participation highlighted the significance of the Uyghur issue in the ongoing discussions on human rights violations in Thailand.
Lese-Majesty Law Reforms and Release of Political Prisoners
In addition to addressing the Uyghur refugee crisis, the European Parliament called for reforms to Thailand’s lese-majesty law, which has been used to imprison political dissidents and activists. MEPs demanded the release of all political prisoners and urged Thailand to grant amnesty to those prosecuted under repressive laws, including those convicted for lese-majesty offenses. They also encouraged Thailand to strengthen its institutions in accordance with international human rights standards.
MEPs highlighted the importance of leveraging ongoing negotiations over a free trade agreement with Thailand to push for these crucial reforms.
Further details on the resolution are available here
Ratification of ILO Conventions and Human Rights Compliance
The resolution also urged Thailand to ratify all core conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and to strengthen its protections for workers’ rights and human rights. MEPs emphasized that Thailand should cooperate with international bodies to ensure compliance with global standards, particularly in the treatment of refugees and political activists.
Appeal to China
Finally, the European Parliament called on China to respect the fundamental rights of deported Uyghurs, ensure transparency regarding their whereabouts, grant the UNHCR access, and release any detainees held unjustly. The resolution underscored the need for international pressure on China to uphold its human rights obligations and protect vulnerable populations.
For full access to the European Parliament's resolution, you can view the official document.
