Geneva, Feb. 28 -- United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has condemned the deportation of 40 ethnic Uyghurs, who had been held in Thailand for over 11 years, to China, terming it a :clear violation of international human rights laws and standards".

He expressed regret over the forcible return of 40 ethnic Uyghurs.

"This violates the principle of non-refoulement for which there is a complete prohibition in cases where there is a real risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other irreparable harm upon their return," Turk said.

The principle of non-refoulement is contained in Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to which Thailand is a party, in Article 7 o...