Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the Turkish government is tightening restrictions on Uyghur refugees who fled China’s persecution.
According to HRW’s new report, “Protected No More: Uyghurs in Turkey,” Turkish authorities detain Uyghurs in harsh conditions and pressure them to sign voluntary return forms. Those forms let Turkey send the refugees to third countries that have extradition agreements with China, putting them at risk of being sent back into danger.
HRW notes that Turkish police and immigration records now carry “restriction codes” that label Uyghurs as a public‑security threat. This change erases the special treatment they once received under Turkey’s immigration system.
“Until recently, Uyghurs who escaped repression felt safe in Turkey,” says Elaine Pearson, HRW’s Asia director. “Now, as Turkey’s relationship with China grows warmer and its crackdown on refugees deepens, many Uyghurs are terrified.” Some refuse to leave their homes for fear of arrest, while others embark on risky journeys to seek safety elsewhere.
The report details harsh treatment in Turkish detention centers. Many Uyghur detainees report being forced to sign return forms. At least three signed the paper, and one was deported to the United Arab Emirates, a country that extradites suspects to China.
One Uyghur told HRW that after his residence permit was cancelled, he can’t even go out for groceries because “I don’t want to end up in the deportation centre again.”
HRW urges Turkey to uphold the international rule of non‑refoulement, which bars returning anyone to a place where they could face persecution, torture, or other serious human‑rights violations. The group calls for an end to all Uyghur deportations to third countries and for Turkey to formally recognize Uyghurs as refugees.
Other governments, HRW adds, should stop sending Uyghurs to Turkey and consider resettling them elsewhere, as Turkey can no longer be considered a safe haven.
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