1 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Thai government not to return the 63 asylum seekers to China because they could face “persecution, torture and other harm”.
On March 30, the Thai authorities detained 28 adults and 35 children members of the persecuted Holy Reformed Church of Shenzhen who were fleeing persecution by the Chinese authorities, according to a statement from HRW.
These asylum seekers arrived in the country in 2022 and have been detained for exceeding the stay time set by their visa, which they can only renew by first appearing at the Chinese Embassy.
“If Thailand determines that the 63 Chinese Christians cannot stay, they should be allowed to seek protection in another country,” said Elaine Pearson, HRW Asia director.
The organization has opined that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) should have “unimpeded” access to these people to assess their situation and to prevent them from being deported to countries where they may be in danger.
In addition, he explained that Thailand has a “long history” of collaboration with the Chinese authorities by extraditing politicians, religious figures, activists and journalists.
Thailand is a signatory country to the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, so it is obliged not to extradite or expel people to countries where they could be tortured or disappeared.
“Under President Xi Jinping in China, ‘House Church’ leaders and members who refuse to join official churches face harassment, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment. Thai authorities must recognize the great dangers they face Christians face when returning to China, and under no circumstances should they return them,” Pearson said.
