US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday visa restrictions targeting Thai officials involved in the forced repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China.

"I am immediately implementing this policy by taking steps to impose visa restrictions on current and former officials from the Government of Thailand responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand on February 27," the statement read.

Despite cautions from human rights organizations about potential risks of torture or death, Thai authorities proceeded with the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China. Allegations have been made against China for conducting crimes against humanity, and possibly genocide, against the Uyghur community and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang's north-western region. However, Beijing has consistently refuted all such accusations.