Slovenia has expressed regret that Thailand has deported 40 Uyghurs to China and is concerned about how they will be treated.
Thailand is a member of the UN Human Rights Council and should always keep the importance of respecting human rights in mind, Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon said yesterday.
She went on to say, “We are concerned about the people and how they will be treated, but I do understand that there is an ongoing discussion. Therefore, if there is an opportunity for European countries to engage more in discussions on how genuinely to ensure that human rights are respected, then this is a good way to go.”
Last month, Thailand’s decision to repatriate the 40 Uyghurs, who had been detained in an immigration facility for a decade, drew harsh criticism from Western communities and international rights organisations.
Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister(L), Tanja Fajon, met Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, discussed a range of topics in Bangkok, Thailand on 13 March 2025. Photo credits: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
In the middle of the night, they were transported to China’s Xinjiang region and they fear that the returnees will be persecuted and tortured by the Chinese government.
Despite the criticism, Fajon, who is also Slovenia’s foreign minister, said that Thai Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa had a long conversation with her, adding that the case does not affect collaboration with Thailand.
Fajon was on a two-day official visit to Thailand, at the invitation of Maris, after visiting the Philippines.
By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World
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