BANGKOK, Thailand –– The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur refugees to China and urging reforms to its lèse majesté law (Article 112). On March 13, the resolution passed with 482 votes in favor, 57 against, and 68 abstentions, highlighting concerns over human rights violations in Thailand.
Key points from the resolution include:
Condemnation of Uyghur Deportation – The European Parliament strongly criticized Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur refugees to China, demanding an immediate halt to such actions, particularly for asylum seekers and political dissidents at risk.
Access for UNHCR – It urged Thailand to allow UNHCR unrestricted access to all detained Uyghur asylum seekers and ensure transparency in their legal status.
China’s Responsibility – The resolution called on China to respect the fundamental rights of deported Uyghurs, disclose their whereabouts, allow UNHCR access, and release those arbitrarily detained.
Ratification of Refugee Conventions – Thailand was urged to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol, implementing a fair and transparent asylum system.
Democracy and Human Rights Standards – The resolution emphasized Thailand’s strategic partnership with the EU, urging the country to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold international human rights standards.
Reform of Article 112 – The European Parliament called on Thailand to amend or repeal Article 112 and other restrictive laws, ensuring freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation.
Amnesty for Political Prisoners – It also demanded amnesty for lawmakers and activists prosecuted or jailed under lèse majesté and other repressive laws.
Trade Pressure on Thailand – The European Commission was urged to leverage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations to push for reforms, including:
Revising Thailand’s strict laws, especially Article 112
Releasing political prisoners
Halting Uyghur deportations
Ratifying all core ILO conventions
Suspending extradition agreements with China
The resolution also recommended that the President of the European Parliament forward this decision to the European Council, European Commission, and authorities in Thailand and China.
