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Laos Rejects Monitoring of Hmong Return
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John Henry
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Aug 18, 2007 23:55 PDT
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Dear praying friends, please continue to pray for the situation of the
Hmong Tribal people that are stranded in Thailand. -- John Henry
LAOS REJECTS MONITORING OF HMONG RETURN
Laos Thursday rejected an idea suggested by Prime Minister Surayud
Chulanont to have a "third party" monitor the repatriation of
more than 7,500 Hmong refugees.
Fri, August 17, 2007
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation, Bangkok
Lao spokesman Yong Chanthalangsy said a joint subcommittee of border
security officials would discuss the issue at a meeting from September 24
in Phetchabun's Ban Huay Nam Khao, where nearly 8,000 Hmong refugees have
taken shelter.
Yong was in Thailand Thursday to accompany a group of 25 Lao media
representatives to a meeting with their Thai counterparts. He will also
visit the 24th Universiade and observe Sunday's referendum on the draft
constitution.
Surayud suggested recently that Thailand and Laos should allow a third
party, possibly an Asean member, to monitor the repatriation of the
Hmong. This would demonstrate transparency and respect for human rights
in front of the international community, he said.
However, Yong said: "As long as the two countries can solve the
problem together peacefully, we see no necessity for another party."
Hmong groups in the US and members of the Congress
have voiced concern about plans to return refugees at Huay Nam Khao,
because there would be no independent screening to determine who have
legitimate claims to refugee status and wellfounded fears of
persecution or mistreatment if returned. Vientiane has so far
refused to allow any form of monitoring by the UNHCR or outside parties.
Thai military officials in Phetchabun have begun screening the
7,653 Hmong refugees who have lived in Ban Huay Nam Khao since late 2004.
Many of them claim links to the United States
Central Intelligence Agency's "Secret War" fighters who battled
the communist Pathet Lao before the fall of Vientiane in 1975 and say
they subsequently fled from oppression in their homeland.
Thai and Lao authorities regard them as illegal migrants who have sneaked
into the Kingdom for economic reasons.
Those believed to be Lao would be repatriated to their places of origin.
While those thought to be Thaiborn Hmong, or who went to Ban Huay Nam
Khao after the closure of Saraburi's Tham Krabok camp in mid 2005, would
be separated and the Thai authorities would seek new places for them to
stay, a military officer said.
Yong said the repatriation would be conducted in a humanitarian manner
and they would be sent back to their original homes.
"Some 1520 per cent of them might need assistance from the
government as they have no relatives and have already sold their land and
houses," he said.
The Lao government had prepared areas for new homes, provided
construction material and would give them rice for up to 18 months after
their return, he said.
Lao officials would film these preparations to show the Hmong refugees
when they go to the meeting in Huay Nam Khao next month, Yong said.
[LISTEN TO YONG SPEAKS IN LAO LANGUAGE]
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/16/regional/regional_30045390.php
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