Human Rights Watch (HRW) has sharply criticized the Turkish government for what it calls an escalating crackdown on Uyghurs seeking refuge from persecution in China, accusing Ankara of violating international protection laws and putting refugees at risk of deportation.

In its latest report titled “Protected No More: Uyghurs in Turkiye,” the U.S.-based rights organization said Turkish authorities have increasingly restricted Uyghurs’ legal residency and international protection status, marking their immigration records with “restriction codes” that label them as “public security threats.”

According to HRW, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration has detained several Uyghurs under inhumane and degrading conditions, forcing some to sign so-called “voluntary return” forms. These coerced documents, the group said, have enabled deportations to third countries that maintain extradition treaties with China, such as the United Arab Emirates.

“Until recently, Uyghurs who escaped repression at home felt safe in Turkey,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at HRW. “But as China-Turkey relations deepen and the Erdoğan government cracks down on refugees, many Uyghurs are now living in fear.”

Several Uyghurs interviewed by HRW reported harassment, prolonged detention, and psychological pressure to accept deportation. One refugee told HRW, “I cannot even go outside to buy groceries because my residence permit was canceled. I live in fear of being taken to a deportation center again.”

The report further states that Turkey’s treatment of Uyghurs undermines its obligations under the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face persecution, torture, or threats to life.

“The Turkish government should respect the principle of non-refoulement and immediately halt deportations of Uyghurs to third countries,” Pearson said. “It should also recognize Uyghurs as refugees on a prima facie basis.”

HRW urged other nations to reconsider transferring Uyghur refugees to Turkey, saying the country can no longer be considered a “safe third country” for members of the persecuted Muslim minority. The organization also called on the international community to help resettle Uyghur refugees facing the risk of deportation from Turkey.

The Turkish government has not yet issued a formal response to HRW’s allegations.