Washington: The UN on Thursday expressed deep
concern over the forced deportation by Thailand of some 4,200
ethnic Lao Hmong people to Laos and the US asked Bangkok to refrain from the act that could imperil the well-being of the
refuge seekers.
Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in a
statement asked Thailand not to deport the ethnic Lao Hmongs
who are seeking refuge in the Huay Nam Khao Camp in Petchabun province in Thailand.
The Thai Government has said it plans to deport the Hmong
-- including at least 150 recognised refugees -- before end of
the month, in line with a bilateral agreement with Laos.
Guterres stressed the need to uphold the international
law principle of non-refoulement, which means refugees and
asylum-seekers cannot be forcibly returned to countries or
areas where they could face persecution.
"In accordance with international law, Thailand has the
responsibility and international obligation to ensure that any
return of recognised refugees or other persons in needs of
international protection to their country of origin is
undertaken on a strictly voluntary basis," he said.
"To proceed otherwise would not only endanger protection
of the refugees but set a very grave international example".
US State Department Acting Spokesman Mark Toner said such
returns would violate the principle of non-refoulement and
imperil the well-being of many individuals.
"Forced returns of persons entitled to protection is
inconsistent with international practice and Thailand's long
history of protection of refugees," Toner said.
"We again urge the Royal Thai Government to uphold the
international principle of non-refoulement and refrain from
forcibly returning Lao Hmong who merit protection," he said.
The US also said it is concerned about the situation of
the 158 ethnic Hmong in a Thai immigration detention facility
in Nong Khai province all of whom have been determined by the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees to be refugees in need of protection.
During the past two years, the US has expressed concerns
about the forced repatriation of Lao Hmong repeatedly to Thai
leaders, as recently as during a visit by Eric Schwartz,
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and
Migration to Thailand this week, the State Department said.
"The United States and others have been working actively
with the Governments of Thailand and Laos to find a mutually
acceptable resolution in line with international principles.
"We are confident such solutions are achievable, but they
require that the Royal Thai Government refrain from
involuntary return of those who merit protection," it said.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, December 24, 2009, 22:36