Meanwhile. an estimated 50.000 Burmese and at least 4.000 Burmese students have fled to the ThaiBurma border since September 1988. Reports have cited forced repatriation of Burmese a-.ylrm seekers by Thai authorities to E. xma. This type of planned deportation and border closure contravenes the principle of nonrefoulment. No government should send an individual to a country where they would be at risk of serious human rights violations. or reJect the entry of someone facing such risks. As recent as last week. Thai military authorities reportedly announced plans to repatriate almost 20.000 illegal immigrants. asylum seekers. and refugees in Tak Province to Burma by the end of May. These refugees undoubtedly face death. torture or imprisonmment If they return home. I ask you. Mr. Speaker. to think only of the publicity that is now being given to Kurds as they face up to the reality of killing with Saddam Hussein and realize that people of the BurmaThai border face exact the same kind of horrendous consequences. Although Thai authorities have allowed temporary safe haven to thousands of Burmese refugees. including the students. it refuses to permit comprehensive U.N. protection and assistance for these people in Thailand. The constant threat of repatriation of Burmese refugees by Thai authorities is an issue of tremendous concern to the United States which must be expressed to the Government of Thailand. Last October. Congress passed a law imposing sanctions on Burma if it did not release all politiual prisoners transfer political power to the elected representatives of the Peoples assembly. take significant steps in eradicating the drug trade in Burmas portion of the Golden Triangle and embark on basic improvements in its human rights record.
Keywords matched
illegal immigrants refugees deportation asylum seekers