Human rights advocates are demanding to know why the UN’s refugee agency hasn’t done more to secure the Uyghurs’ right to asylum.

Thai authorities have denied any immediate plan to send 48 Uyghur refugees back to China after UN experts urged a stop. Rights groups accuse Beijing of widespread abuses of Uyghurs, a mostly Muslim minority in China.

With Thailand set to become the biggest nation in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on Thursday, we look at the situation across the globe.

Authorities in Thailand on Wednesday denied there was an immediate plan to send back to China 48 Uyghurs held in the Southeast Asian country's detention centers after United Nations experts warned that the group could face torture if they return.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) alleged that Thailand have consistently violated its prisoners' right to health under international law, in a report submitted to the UN Special

US President Donald Trump's incoming secretary of state is among those calling for Thailand not to deport a group Uyghurs to China, where it is feared they would face persecution.

The experts’ statement comes less than a week after Republican Sen. Marco Rubio said he would lobby Thailand against deporting the 48 Uyghurs to China during a hearing on his nomination for the post of U.S. secretary of state, which he was confirmed for on Monday.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Thailand to immediately stop the planned deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China, citing serious risks of torture and inhumane treatment.

The has UN urged Thailand to halt deportation of 47 Uyghurs to China due to risks of torture and non-refoulement violations. Right groups signals potential preparations for deportation, although Thai authorities deny immediate plans.

For government critics in Southeast Asia, fleeing abroad does not necessarily mean safety. Thailand is growing particularly dangerous for foreigners seeking protection.

With Thailand set to become the biggest nation in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on Thursday, we look at the situation across the globe.