Geneva, June 1 -- The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has issued an urgent international appeal to halt the deportation of 48 Uyghur refugees from Thailand to China, warning of grave consequences if the move proceeds, according to a WUC release.

The deportation is scheduled for February 27.

In its statement, the WUC warned that returning these refugees would likely subject them to torture, enforced disappearances, or even execution upon arrival in China. The group has already endured more than a decade of unlawful detention.

WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun called on Thai authorities to stop the deportation and urged the international community to take immediate, coordinated action to ensure the safety and release of the refugees, the relea...