Rubio Advocates for Uyghurs Detained in Thailand Against Deportation to China

Senator Marco Rubio will lobby Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China, where they would face persecution. This issue highlights tensions surrounding human rights and U.S.-China relations, particularly under the incoming Trump administration. The detained Uyghurs have been held in Thailand since 2014, with concerns about their treatment and potential deportation looming.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, nominated to lead the U.S. State Department in the upcoming Trump administration, will lobby Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 detained Uyghurs back to China. Rights advocates warn that these individuals, held on immigration charges in Thailand, face severe persecution if returned to their homeland. Rubio’s commitment highlights his potential influence on U.S.-China relations during his term.

The Uyghur people, an ethnic minority in China, have faced extensive detentions since 2017, with around 1.8 million individuals reportedly held in internment camps in Xinjiang. The 48 Uyghurs detained in Thailand have been there since 2014, fleeing from persecution in China. The situation has drawn international attention, particularly regarding Thailand’s obligations under human rights conventions and its relationship with China.

Senator Rubio’s advocacy emphasizes the importance of protecting human rights and maintaining diplomatic relations. The plight of the Uyghurs serves as a reminder of the ongoing persecution they experience in China. The outcome of this situation could influence U.S.-Thailand relations and highlight the international community’s response to China’s actions.

Original Source: www.benarnews.org