Türkiye‘s Actions Raise Concerns Over Uyghur Safety and International Law
The turkish government’s treatment of Uyghurs is drawing scrutiny due to concerns it violates the international legal principle of nonrefoulement – the prohibition of returning individuals to places where they face persecution, torture, or serious human rights abuses. Evidence suggests Uyghurs in Türkiye are increasingly vulnerable to deportation, either directly to China or to third countries with potentially inadequate protections, despite documented severe human rights violations against Uyghurs in China.
As 2017, the Chinese government has been accused of committing crimes against humanity targeting Uyghurs in Xinjiang. These abuses include detention, interrogation, and torture, raising the stakes for any Uyghur returned to China, particularly from a country like Türkiye, which China views as strategically crucial.
The request of “restriction codes” by Turkish authorities is a key concern. These codes, applied based on complaints, past (even acquitted) criminal cases, or intelligence from other governments – including lists of individuals labeled “terrorists” by China (a designation often applied to peaceful Uyghur activism and cultural expression) - can lead to detention and deportation.
Interviews reveal a pattern of arbitrary detention and precarious legal status for Uyghurs in Türkiye. One Uyghur recounted being detained at the airport and banned from re-entry after being denied a residence permit renewal, despite possessing a Chinese passport and attempting to travel to Europe for safety. Another described appalling conditions in Turkish deportation centers,including inadequate food,unsanitary conditions,and sleeping on cement floors.
Legal professionals working with Uyghur cases highlight the arbitrary nature of the restrictions. One lawyer explained that even contact with someone flagged as “suspicious” can trigger a restriction code, leading to detention even without evidence of wrongdoing. Furthermore, long-term residence permits are being cancelled and replaced with temporary “humanitarian” permits, which are then often denied renewal, trapping individuals in a cycle of detention and release without legal status. As one lawyer stated, Türkiye is becoming “an unlivable place for Uyghurs.”
Human Rights watch has documented these abuses, concluding that china’s actions constitute crimes against humanity. In light of these findings, and the increasing risks faced by Uyghurs in Türkiye, calls are growing for the Turkish government to respect nonrefoulement, cease all deportations of Uyghurs to third countries, and grant Uyghurs refugee status. Additionally, other governments are urged to halt the transfer of Uyghurs to Türkiye and consider resettlement options for those currently seeking refuge there.
