VOA标准英语2009年-US Concerned at Possible Expulsion of

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The Hmong, who fear persecution¹ by the Laotian government, have been living in a camp in northern Thailand.

David Gollust | State Department 24 December 2009

 
Photo: AP
Hmong refugees collect water at Huay Nam Khao village in Thailand's northeastern province of Petchabun (file photo)

The U.S. State Department has expressed deep concern about reports that Thailand is preparing to deport² more than 4,000 ethnic³ Hmong from Laos back to that country by the end of the year.  The Hmong, who fear persecution by the Laotian government, have been living in a camp in northern Thailand.

The State Department has joined several U.S. Senators and human rights advocates in expressing concern about what officials say could be the imminent⁴ deportation⁵ of the ethnic Hmong back to Laos.

Long housed at a camp in Thailand's northern Petchabun province, the Hmong have been seeking asylum⁶ based on claims they face persecution by Laos because members of the ethnic group fought alongside the United States against communist forces during the Vietnam war.

Thailand has depicted⁷ the Hmong as economic migrants but has refused access to them by United Nations officials or any other third party to determine if they are political refugees.  A Thai military spokesman said Wednesday they will be repatriated⁸ in about a week.

State Department Acting⁹ Spokesman Mark Toner said the United States is deeply concerned about reports of the impending¹⁰ action, which he said would be contrary to Thai traditions and international legal principles.

"Forced returns of persons entitled to protection is inconsistent with international practice and Thailand's long history of protection of refugees," he said. "Such returns would violate the international principle of 'non-refoulement' and imperil the well-being¹¹ of many individuals.  The United States and others have been working actively¹² with the governments of Thailand and Laos to find a mutually-acceptable resolution in line with international principles."

Toner said the United States has raised concerns with Thailand about the Hmong for two years, most recently during a visit to Bangkok by Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration¹³ Eric Schwartz only a few days ago.

He said U.S. officials are confident acceptable solutions can be found, but said they require that the Thai government refrain from the involuntary return of those who merit protection.

The spokesman said the United States is also concerned about the potential return of 158 ethnic Hmong being held at a Thai detention¹⁴ center who do have U.N. refugee status.

This week, a bipartisan group of nine U.S. Senators sent a letter to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva cautioning against any early deportation move, and criticizing the lack of transparency in the screening process for the Hmong.

An Amnesty International spokeswoman says the rights group is "appalled¹⁵" by the prospect¹⁶ of the return of the ethnic Hmong, many of whom she said have valid¹⁷ fears of persecution if they are returned to Laos.

The Washington based group, Refugees International, said expulsion of the Hmong would be a serious violation¹⁸ of international law and a severe blot¹⁹ on Thailand's reputation.

The Laotian government has steadfastly²⁰ denied the Hmong would face reprisals²¹.