Exposing report on abuses in Thai immigration detention centres
A new report from the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Union for Civil Liberty (UCL) sheds light on conditions in Thailand’s immigration detention centres (IDCs), which are among the country’s most secretive detention facilities. The report also highlights Thailand’s shortcomings in immigration detention regulations and policies, and how they fall short of international human rights standards.
The report, entitled “Out of Sight – Human Rights Violations in Thailand’s Immigration Detention Centers”, comprises 43 pages and is based on interviews with recently released prisoners. These ex-prisoners describe conditions that fall far below national and international minimum standards.
Overpopulation and deplorable living conditions
Thailand’s immigration detention centres are severely overcrowded. The occupancy rate of the detention system is 155%, leading to overcrowded cells. Former detainees have reported being held in filthy rooms with little personal space. In addition to overcrowding, detainees face punishment, ill-treatment and a dire lack of hygiene, especially for women. Food is of poor quality, health care is limited and in some cases has even resulted in deaths. In addition, recreational activities are scarce and contact with the outside world is severely limited.
Violation of human rights
Thailand has no legal framework that protects the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. These groups are regularly arrested, prosecuted, detained in IDCs and sometimes even deported. Furthermore, they are denied access to fundamental rights as enshrined in international human rights law.
Violation of the principle of non-refoulement
Thailand has in the past repeatedly adopted the internationally recognized principle of non-refoulement violated. This principle prohibits the return of people to a country where they are at risk. Yet refugees such as the Hmong, Uighurs, Rohingya and Cambodians were deported to countries where they risked persecution.
Indefinite detention and legal restrictions
Another serious issue is the lack of a maximum period of detention in the case of ongoing deportation proceedings. This has led to prolonged and sometimes indefinite detention, which is considered arbitrary under international law. In addition, detainees in IDCs have no right to judicial review of their detention. There are also no legal provisions prohibiting the detention of children in these centres.
Attempts at reform
Although the Thai authorities have taken some steps to address these issues, the results have lagged behind. One example is the National Screening Mechanism (NSM), which aims to protect foreigners who risk persecution if they return to their country. Seven Thai agencies also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end the detention of migrant children. However, these initiatives have not fully achieved their objectives.
Positive developments
A bright spot is the entry into force of the Prevention and Combating of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act in February 2023. This law codifies the principle of non-refoulement and provides legal and procedural safeguards against torture, ill-treatment and enforced disappearance. These safeguards also apply to immigration procedures and the deportation process.
Recommendations for improvement
The report contains extensive recommendations for the Thai government, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) and UN member states. These recommendations focus on improving conditions in IDCs and establishing a robust legal framework that meets international human rights standards. It also specifically addresses the protection of refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants.
Thailand faces the challenge of fundamental reforms in both the legislation and the practical implementation of immigration detention to meet its international obligations and safeguard the human rights of migrants.
Read the report Register
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What is ventilated in this article has been known worldwide for so long.
Such as sending refugees back to Myanmar and China.
The Thai authorities know very well what awaits returned/deported refugees.
The Thai inhumanity in Thai prisons (also to their own Thai) and in Immigration detention centers is outrageous. Known for so long.
It keeps feeding my feelings/thinking that Thai Buddhism is not the real Buddhism.
Thailand signs international treaties, but only takes advantage of them when it suits them.
When it comes to international obligations, it's not home.
Closes itself off, turning inward.
They don't even realize that thinking like this at an international level is in fact a shameful loss of face.
What about foreigners who can no longer meet the visa requirements because, for example, they have no money or income?
Do these foreigners [Europeans] also come into this
IDCS is correct.
How can you get out of here if you have no money or families anymore???
I thought I saw on the news recently on Thailand's most popular TV channel that a refugee who had been held captive for 58 years had died. But that was not reported elsewhere.