Child refugees still detained in Thailand
One hundred and forty-nine Lao Hmong refugees, including 82 children, four infants and three pregnant women, have been detained by Thai authorities since mid-November 2006. They have been recognised as refugees by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), but remain detained at Nong Khai Immigration Centre (IDC) in Thailand near the border with Laos. The Thai authorities attempted to forcibly return the group to Laos on 30 January. The unlawful deportation attempt was abandoned after international condemnation.
The refugees are confined to two hot, windowless and overcrowded cells, which they are not allowed to leave. They reportedly have no access to clean drinking water, have not been allowed to wash their clothes adequately, and have had their mosquito netting and blankets removed. The UNHCR has described the conditions "deplorable" and "inhumane".
They began a hunger-strike on 16 August in protest at their prolonged detention in appalling conditions, suspending it on 19 August after delegates of the UNHCR were able to visit them and provide counselling. They are weak and distressed; four women and one baby were taken to Nong Khai hospital. Medical care is now being arranged at the IDC.
Earlier this year, the Thai Prime Minister stated that the group would not be returned to Laos, and would be allowed to resettle in third countries. Four countries have accepted all of them for resettlement, but on 21 August a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson reportedly said that the authorities have not yet decided whether to allow the 149 to go to a third country.
Amnesty International Australia Aug. 30, 2007