WHEN:

Saturday, March 9, 2024, 6 pm Bangkok

WHERE:

The Fort , Bangkok and Live on  The Fort's Facebook Page

March 2024 marks a decade in Thai immigration detention for more than 40 Uyghur refugees–an ethnic minority group from China who fled to Thailand to escape persecution in China along with hundreds of others in 2014. The Thai government has acknowledged that Thai authorities have returned to China more than 100 Uyghurs during the past decade.

According to the World Uyghur Congress, since 2014, five Uyghur refugees have died in Thai immigration detention centers (IDCs), which are notorious for their overcrowded and squalid conditions. In 2023 alone, two Uyghur refugees reportedly died over a two-month period in Thailand's IDCs, prompting demands for Thailand to end the indefinite detention of refugees. Despite strong recommendations by the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand to protect Uyghur refugees, Uyghurs remain at risk in Thailand. What future exists for detained Uyghur refugees in Thailand? What policies need to change to end the indefinite detention of refugees in Thailand?

During The Fort Talks, we will discuss the situation of Uyghur refugees in Thailand, the policies that keep the arbitrarily and indefinitely detained, and potential solutions.

The event will begin with a recorded message from family members of Uyghur refugees in detention as well as an opening address by the Advisor to the Human Rights Commissioner of Thailand, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

This event is open to the public and free of charge. It will also be live-streamed on The Fort's  Facebook Page  with simultaneous English and Thai language interpretation. 

Opening Speakers:

•  [Names Withheld], family members of Uyghur refugees in detention

• Rattikul Chansuriya,  Advisor to the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand

Panelists:

• Kannavee Suebsang,  Member of Parliament, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Sustainable Solutions for Irregular Migration

• Chalida Tajaroensuk,  Founder, People's Empowerment Foundation

• Andrea Giorgetta,  Asia Desk Director, International Federation for Human Rights

• Phil Robertson,  Deputy Director Asia Division, Human Rights Watch

Moderator:

• Puttanee Kangkun,  The Fort Director