Its president Ahmad Fahmi Samsudin said world leaders, particularly those of regional nations, should take a stronger stance against actions that endanger the Uyghurs and violate their fundamental rights.

He said Thailand’s decision to repatriate the Uyghurs raised serious concerns about their fates upon their return to China.

“Although the Thai government has stated that they have received assurances from China that they will not be harmed, Abim reminds that, based on past records, Uyghurs repatriated to China often disappear without a trace and become completely uncontactable,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Fahmi said the repatriation could set a precedent for China to continue similar measures against Uyghurs who sought overseas protection.

“Given China’s alarming human rights record, Abim emphasises that the Uyghur community deserves proper protection in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits any country from deporting refugees to places where they face risks of torture, persecution, and human rights violations,” he added.

Thailand recently deported a group of Uyghurs whom it had detained for over a decade to China, a move described by United Nations agencies as a serious violation of international law.

Malaysia has consistently raised concerns over human rights violations of Uyghurs in China, affirming that it will not extradite Uyghur asylum seekers seeking refuge in the country.

In 2018, Malaysia released 11 Uyghurs to Turkey after dropping immigration-related charges.

This policy has been maintained by successive governments, including those led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin.