ID :
97402
Wed, 12/30/2009 - 12:52
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/97402
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Repatriation of ethnic Hmong to Laos done under human rights principles
BANGKOK, Dec 30 (TNA) – Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya reaffirmed Wednesday that the repatriation of Thailand’s ethnic Hmong population to Laos was conducted under human rights principles, with all being well treated by both the Thai and Lao authorities.
Mr Kasit said the Lao government had also given assurances to the Thai government regarding the safety and wellbeing of the deportees.
He also urged all parties to have confidence in the Lao government and to stop criticising the deportation as Thailand and Laos had carried out the operation with strict adherence to human rights principles.
The Thai military completed the repatriation of some 4,300 ethnic Hmong to Laos on Tuesday amid criticism by the United Nations, the United States and other nations fearing that the returnees could face persecution by the Lao government.
Thai foreign ministry Director-General Vimon Kidchob of the Department of Information and ministry spokesperson on Tuesday told reporters at a press briefing regarding the managed and orderly return of the ethnic Hmong illegal migrants that in recent years, Thailand has faced the problem of ethnic Hmong from Laos who had illegally entered Thailand seeking economic opportunities or with the hope of being able to further their livelihoods in third countries.
On December 28, the Thai authorities managed the safe and orderly return of some 4,300 Hmong illegal migrants from the shelter at Huay Nam Khao in Petchaboon province and the Immigration Detention Centre in Nong Khai to Laos, in accordance with the Thai Immigration Act.
The movement proceeded in a smooth manner and without incident, with due regard for human rights and humanitarian principles.
Cooperation and understanding was received from the Hmong during the return arrangements, Ms Vimon said.
The return followed assurances from the Lao government that legal proceedings will not be taken against the returning Hmong as well as its willingness to facilitate requests for their onward travel and resettlement.
Third countries wishing to receive Lao Hmong to be resettled can coordinate with the Lao authorities. In addition, returning Hmong wishing to go to their home communities, will be given transportation and initial financial assistance, while those wishing to move to a development village will be provided with housing and other assistance.
During 2008 and 2009, the Thai authorities had already facilitated 19 returns of over 3,200 Lao ethnic Hmong illegal migrants who expressed their wish to return to Laos, and there has been no report of any difficulties or persecution faced by such returnees.
The Lao authorities have invited representatives of several countries and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to visit those returnees.
Meanwhile, the Thai authorities have been in frequent discussion with relevant parties to address queries regarding the situation of the Hmong illegal migrants in Thailand.
She said the Thai authorities therefore believe that the returning Laotian Hmong will be able to derive a decent living and join other Lao citizens in the development of their country, or pursue other opportunities. (TNA)
Mr Kasit said the Lao government had also given assurances to the Thai government regarding the safety and wellbeing of the deportees.
He also urged all parties to have confidence in the Lao government and to stop criticising the deportation as Thailand and Laos had carried out the operation with strict adherence to human rights principles.
The Thai military completed the repatriation of some 4,300 ethnic Hmong to Laos on Tuesday amid criticism by the United Nations, the United States and other nations fearing that the returnees could face persecution by the Lao government.
Thai foreign ministry Director-General Vimon Kidchob of the Department of Information and ministry spokesperson on Tuesday told reporters at a press briefing regarding the managed and orderly return of the ethnic Hmong illegal migrants that in recent years, Thailand has faced the problem of ethnic Hmong from Laos who had illegally entered Thailand seeking economic opportunities or with the hope of being able to further their livelihoods in third countries.
On December 28, the Thai authorities managed the safe and orderly return of some 4,300 Hmong illegal migrants from the shelter at Huay Nam Khao in Petchaboon province and the Immigration Detention Centre in Nong Khai to Laos, in accordance with the Thai Immigration Act.
The movement proceeded in a smooth manner and without incident, with due regard for human rights and humanitarian principles.
Cooperation and understanding was received from the Hmong during the return arrangements, Ms Vimon said.
The return followed assurances from the Lao government that legal proceedings will not be taken against the returning Hmong as well as its willingness to facilitate requests for their onward travel and resettlement.
Third countries wishing to receive Lao Hmong to be resettled can coordinate with the Lao authorities. In addition, returning Hmong wishing to go to their home communities, will be given transportation and initial financial assistance, while those wishing to move to a development village will be provided with housing and other assistance.
During 2008 and 2009, the Thai authorities had already facilitated 19 returns of over 3,200 Lao ethnic Hmong illegal migrants who expressed their wish to return to Laos, and there has been no report of any difficulties or persecution faced by such returnees.
The Lao authorities have invited representatives of several countries and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to visit those returnees.
Meanwhile, the Thai authorities have been in frequent discussion with relevant parties to address queries regarding the situation of the Hmong illegal migrants in Thailand.
She said the Thai authorities therefore believe that the returning Laotian Hmong will be able to derive a decent living and join other Lao citizens in the development of their country, or pursue other opportunities. (TNA)
