February 27, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is deeply concerned that 40 Uyghur refugees were forcibly returned to China today, putting them at a serious risk of torture, mistreatment, repressive surveillance, arbitrary detention and forced labour.

“Canada has serious concerns that this is a violation of Thailand’s obligation under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

“Canada calls on all countries to not send asylum seekers back to countries where they are at real risk of torture, forced disappearance and political persecution.

“We call on the Chinese government to end its repression of ethnic and religious minorities.

“Canada has been raising this issue with the Thai government at all levels for the past several years to convey Canada’s position, including today.”