The Urgent Need to Protect Uyghur Refugees Detained in Thailand

Thailand is not part of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the government does not help Uyghur refugees and instead locks them up in detention facilities.

In some cases, Uyghur refugees have been sent to China, where they face the death penalty, concentration camps, or forced labor camps…

Bangkok’s Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center

When Uyghur refugees arrive in Thailand, they can be put in detention centers. These centers are like prisons, and the conditions are very bad. People often have to live in small, crowded dirty spaces, they do not get enough food, and do not get access to the medical care they need. Uyghur refugees are kept in these centers for many years, their futures are uncertain. So far in 2023 alone, two Uyghur men have died while being detained at the Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center.

To protect Uyghur refugees, it is important for countries like Thailand to join the 1951 Refugee Convention and make laws to help refugees. This would make it safer for Uyghurs and other people who need to find a new home because they are in danger. It is up to all of us to support the rights and safety of refugees around the world.


Join the fight for Uyghur refugees:

  1. Raise Awareness: Share information about the challenges Uyghur refugees face, particularly in countries not part of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Use social media, blog posts, and conversations with friends and family to spread the word.

  2. Support Organizations: Donate to and volunteer with organizations working to protect and assist Uyghur refugees, such as International Support for Uyghurs, UNHCR, and Human Rights Watch. These groups need resources to continue their vital work.

  3. Contact Your Representatives: Urge your government officials to advocate for Uyghur refugees and encourage countries like Thailand to join the 1951 Refugee Convention. Ask them to implement policies that ensure the safety and rights of refugees worldwide.

  4. Attend Events: Participate in rallies, protests, and other events that bring attention to the Uyghur refugee crisis. By showing up and making your voice heard, you help build momentum for change.

  5. Stay Informed: Follow the news and developments related to Uyghur refugees, and stay up-to-date on the latest actions and policies that can impact their lives. Knowledge is power, and staying informed enables you to be a more effective advocate.

Together, we can make a difference for Uyghur refugees and work towards a world where everyone has the right to safety, dignity, and freedom. Join us in taking action today, and be a part of the movement that stands up for those who need our help the most.

In Memory Of

  • On April 21, 2023, Mattohti Mattursun (also known as Muhammad Tursun), 40, died of liver failure in Bangkok’s Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center. He had been detained for illegal entry since March 13, 2014.

  • In February, 2023, Aziz Abdullah, 49, died of pneumonia Bangkok’s Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center, He had been detained since late 2013.

    He was a farmer in East Turkistan, a father, and husband. He arrived in Thailand with his 7 children and pregnant wife in 2013. They were trying to make their way to Malaysia and then Turkey but were intercepted by Thai authorities.