Thai government respects human rights principles in Hmong repatriation

BANGKOK, 23 December 2009 (NNT) – The repatriation of Hmong refugees in Phetchabun to Laos has been executed in accordance with the human rights principles and legal framework, according to the Prime Minister.

The comment follows the National Security Council’s decision yesterday to repatriate Hmong refugees to Laos. Prime Miniter Abhisit Vejjajiva reaffirmed that today’s repatriation of the Hmong refugees currently taking shelter in Phetchabun province to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was made in compilance with the principles of human rights and legal procedures.

Looking back into the history of repatriations in Laos, the Prime Minister insisted that there have been no reports of human rights infringements so far. At the moment there isn’t any conflict or fighting in neighboring countries. He said he understood that the Lao government had allowed other nations to observe the well-being of the extradited Hmongs. He said Thailand has a clear stance on the matter and would have no problem to clarifiy the situation to the international community.

He went on to say that the number of ethnic Hmongs to be repatriated would be decided by the authorities concerned. There are presently thousands of Hmongs living in the northern province of Phetchabun and the northeastern province of Nong Khai, all of whom are under the supervision of the Thai government.