Hmong Deportations from Thailand

On Saturday, June 9, the Royal Thai Government deported about 160 ethnic Hmong who had fled from Laos in recent months. All of the individuals had been detained in prisons in Thailand for illegally entering the country.

The United States, with other countries and international organizations, has urged the Thai government not to deport vulnerable people seeking refugee status without first screening them to determine the validity of their claims and their eligibility for protection. We further urge that no one be returned to a country where he or she faces persecution. Unfortunately, continued allegations of human rights violations in Laos combined with the Lao government's refusal so far to permit monitoring of returnees cause concern about the well-being of those who were deported.

Thailand has a long tradition of providing refuge for those in need. Thailand has the right to prevent illegal immigration. However, we urge the Thai government to live up to its traditions and to ensure that those with a genuine claim to refugee status are not returned to an uncertain fate.

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