US lawmakers worried over fate of Hmong

Bangkok Post 25/12 2009

WASHINGTON: : Nine US senators have written to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to protest against the possible expulsion of more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to Laos, where they fear persecution.

Thailand confirmed on Wednesday the move would take place by the year's end despite the international outcry.

"While we recognise that the Kingdom of Thailand is burdened by the large number of refugees it hosts on its territory, we encourage you not to take steps to repatriate any individuals to Laos at this time," the US lawmakers wrote in a letter dated Dec 17.

The group of ethnic Hmong, held in a camp in Huay Nam Khao in Phetchabun province, is seeking political asylum based on claims they face persecution from the Lao regime because they fought alongside US forces during the Vietnam War.

Democratic senators Russ Feingold, Patrick Leahy, Barbara Boxer, Sheldon Whitehouse, Mark Begich, Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and their Republican colleagues Richard Lugar and Lisa Murkowski denounced the government's "lack of transparency" in screening the refugees.

"We believe that the lack of transparency in the screening and repatriation process only exacerbates these difficulties and heightens international concerns regarding these populations," the letter said.

The lawmakers urged Thailand to work with an independent third party to conduct a "transparent" screening process that complies with international norms.

Laos has systematically denied the charges of persecution, while Thailand says the thousands held in Phetchabun are economic migrants and has refused access for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to see if there are political refugees.

The UNHCR and diplomats said they believed some could qualify as refugees, and as such should only be returned on a voluntary basis.

Mr Abhisit yesterday said the US lawmakers' position did not surprise him but insisted all Hmong from Laos sheltered at the camp would be deported under an agreement between Bangkok and Vientiane.

Although the Defence Ministry has said force would not be used to deport the remaining Hmong, there were reports the army had significantly boosted troop numbers in Phetchabun overnight, further stoking fears Bangkok would abide by the Dec 31 deadline.