IRFBA - The Article 18 Alliance Chair Statement Urging Thailand to Halt the Extradition of Y Quynh Bdap

On behalf of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, I am deeply concerned by the imminent risk of the extradition of Vietnamese human rights defender Y Quynh Bdap from Thailand to Vietnam. 

Mr. Bdap is a UNHCR-recognized refugee, a member of the Ede ethnic minority, and a Christian who has long advocated for religious freedom and documented human rights violations affecting Montagnard ethnic communities. He was convicted in absentia in Vietnam on spurious terrorism-related charges, which he firmly denies. There is a well-documented pattern of torture and discrimination against Montagnards in Vietnam. Thirteen United Nations Special Rapporteurs and human rights experts have warned that his case appears to be one of transnational repression and that he would face a real risk of torture, ill-treatment, and prolonged detention if returned. 

I note that Mr. Bdap’s appeal has now been rejected and that the decision regarding his extradition rests with the Prime Minister of Thailand. I am deeply concerned that the rapid timeline for decision-making raises serious due-process concerns. Extradition would also risk violating Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, which prohibits transferring any person to a country where substantial grounds indicate a risk of torture or other ill-treatment. I respectfully urge the Government of Thailand to uphold its obligations under international human rights law I call on Thailand to immediately block the extradition of Mr. Bdap, to ensure he is protected from refoulement, and to engage with UNHCR to identify a safe and durable solution for him. 

I will, as Chair, continue to monitor this case closely.