Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed concern over reports that Uyghur refugees in Thailand may face forced repatriation to China. In his statement, Smith highlighted potential pressure from China on the Thai government to return these refugees.

"It appears that Communist China is applying pressure upon the Thai government to force the repatriation of long-time Uyghur refugees and send them into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party to be incarcerated, tortured and cast away in forced labor camps as the U.S. implements its transition to a new government," Smith stated.

He emphasized that if Thailand complies with such demands, it would violate its obligations under the Convention Against Torture, which it has ratified. Smith warned that this action would be viewed negatively by the incoming Trump Administration and Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio. "Forced rendition of refugees would also cast a pall on Thailand’s efforts to improve its own anti-trafficking record," he added.

Smith urged Thailand to adhere to international agreements and provide access for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees to assess the situation of these refugees. He expressed a desire for dialogue with Thailand's ambassador to prevent what he described as "vulnerable people" from being subjected to torture.