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HRW warns against Thai return of Christian asylum seekers to China amid persecution – JURIST

Human Rights Watch (HRW) Saturday called on Thailand’s government to ensure Christian Chinese asylum seekers are not returned to China amidst persecution and threats of torture and serious harm. Thai authorities arrested the asylum seekers for visa overstays, but according to Human Rights Watch, any deportations could put the asylum seekers’ lives at risk.The asylum seekers moved to Thailand in 2022 after China intensified its fight against certain religions. A report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom documented persecution and torture against members of certain religions. A further report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated that the government’s harassment amounts to international crimes and crimes against humanity.Many asylum seekers in Thailand are at risk if they return to China. Commenting on the state of affairs, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch Elaine Pearson said that “Thai authorities need to recognize the grave dangers facing Christians back in China and under no circumstances force them to return.” According to human rights activists like Pearson, Thailand should seek remedies other than deportaiton, such as permitting the asylum seekers to seek protection in another country.