​Don’t Deport Uyghur Siblings in Indian Custody Since 2013 to China: Centre for Uyghur Studies

On the tenth anniversary of their detention, the Center for Uyghur Studies (CUS) has urged the international community, particularly the Indian authorities, to consider the plight of three Uyghur brothers who fled to Kashmir from Chinese persecution and are in detention. Indian immigration authorities since 2013.

The Uyghur siblings – Adil, Abdul Khaliq and Salam – were 16, 18 and 20 years old respectively when they fled China after the Chinese regime detained some of their relatives, according to their lawyer.

“The siblings crossed the border when they had no other option available to them to escape the persecution of the Chinese authorities. Moreover, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) who initially detained the siblings found nothing against them other than that they had crossed the border illegally. However “Their case remains unresolved after a decade-long crisis. This case requires urgent attention from the Indian government to put an end to their plight.”

CUS called on the Indian authorities to protect the principles enshrined in international law, particularly those related to human rights and humanitarian considerations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stress the importance of safeguarding and protecting the fundamental rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their migration status. “The prolonged detention of young Uyghurs who have only fled China to seek safety in a third country is detrimental to their well-being and future. The genocide that the Uyghurs are facing in their homeland is no longer a secret to the world. Instead of this reality, the Indian government should ensure that the brothers are not deported back to China.” .

Abdul Hakim Idris, Executive Director of CUS, said, “While we acknowledge the need for Indian authorities to maintain and enforce immigration laws, we urge them to consider the unique circumstances surrounding the situation of the Uighur siblings. Indian authorities must ensure that the siblings are not deported to China, where they will face imminent persecution.” Moreover, we call on the Indian government to take a humane and compassionate approach to their case, freeing them from prolonged detention and giving them an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

CUS stressed that by offering opportunity to Uyghur youths, India will demonstrate its commitment to upholding human values ​​and fulfilling its international obligations. It will also contribute to the promotion of human rights and democracy for the Uighurs as a whole.