UN Refugee Agency Accused of Failing to Help Uyghur Asylum Seekers Detained in Thailand

Internal UNHCR documents reveal the agency has rejected repeated requests from the Thai government to assist 48 Uyghur asylum seekers detained in life-threatening conditions in Bangkok, The New Humanitarian reported yesterday.

According to the source, five are serving prison sentences, while 43 are held without charge, subjected to squalid, isolated treatment.

Despite Thailand’s pleas for UNHCR intervention, the agency reportedly feared damaging relations with China, a major donor.

UNHCR claims it has been denied access to the group.

With two detainees having died, rights groups accuse UNHCR of neglecting its mandate to protect refugees, urging it to take robust action to secure the Uyghurs’ release and resettlement.