MIRO Press Release: Khmer Krom Need Protection
|
Press Release
Phnom Penh, February 5, 2014 Minority Rights Organization launches fact-finding report Report Highlights The Plight Of Khmer Krom Activists From Vietnam Protection Needed For Those Seeking Asylum In Cambodia And Thailand |
Today, Minority Rights Organization (MIRO) presents its new report “Abandoned People: Khmer Krom Seeking Asylum and Refuge in Thailand”in Phnom Penh. The report analyses the dilemma politically persecuted Khmer Krom from Vietnam find themselves in when seeking protection in Cambodia or Thailand. Based on a thorough investigation into the root causes, the report provides recommendations to the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand and to all stakeholders to grant sustainable security for Khmer Krom activists from Kampuchea Krom.
Khmer Krom experience severe human rights violations in Vietnam. Those who struggle for their right to cultural identity, free expression and assembly face frequent oppression by Vietnamese authorities. Reaching out for legal recognition in Thailand by applying for asylum with the UNHCR, most Khmer Krom are rejected on the grounds that they could safely live in Cambodia. The RGC has repeatedly affirmed that “Khmer Krom enjoy the same rights as Khmer citizens whilst residing in or entering the Kingdom of Cambodia.” Cambodia has many existing legal provisions which protect its citizens from deprivation of nationality, exile, arrest as well as deportation to any foreign country. However, there are numerous instances where the RGC has not afforded such protections to Khmer Krom people. Political collaboration between the RGC and the Government of Vietnam leads to the suppression of Khmer Krom activism in Kampuchea Krom.
“The UNHCR in Bangkok has to acknowledge that the RGC does not provide full protection for activists from Kampuchea Krom”, MIRO director ANG Chanrith explains. “Until the RGC has initiated policy directives to provide for and protect the Khmer Krom when they arrive in Cambodia, MIRO calls upon UNHCR to not abandon Khmer Krom without a safe abode.”
MIRO’s report is based on interviews with Khmer Krom asylum seekers and refugees in Thailand in November 2013 and numerous discussions with Khmer Krom activists who reside within Cambodia. In addition, MIRO has incorporated consultations with stakeholders and the assessment of legal documents and news items into this comprehensive analysis.
Please find attached the full report as well as a short summary of the report.
For further information please contact:
Mr. ANG Chanrith Tel. 012-934 802
Mr. SOURN Butmao Tel. 011-919 979
Minority Rights Organization (MIRO)
# 18D St 568, Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. E-mail: [email protected]
Khmer Krom experience severe human rights violations in Vietnam. Those who struggle for their right to cultural identity, free expression and assembly face frequent oppression by Vietnamese authorities. Reaching out for legal recognition in Thailand by applying for asylum with the UNHCR, most Khmer Krom are rejected on the grounds that they could safely live in Cambodia. The RGC has repeatedly affirmed that “Khmer Krom enjoy the same rights as Khmer citizens whilst residing in or entering the Kingdom of Cambodia.” Cambodia has many existing legal provisions which protect its citizens from deprivation of nationality, exile, arrest as well as deportation to any foreign country. However, there are numerous instances where the RGC has not afforded such protections to Khmer Krom people. Political collaboration between the RGC and the Government of Vietnam leads to the suppression of Khmer Krom activism in Kampuchea Krom.
“The UNHCR in Bangkok has to acknowledge that the RGC does not provide full protection for activists from Kampuchea Krom”, MIRO director ANG Chanrith explains. “Until the RGC has initiated policy directives to provide for and protect the Khmer Krom when they arrive in Cambodia, MIRO calls upon UNHCR to not abandon Khmer Krom without a safe abode.”
MIRO’s report is based on interviews with Khmer Krom asylum seekers and refugees in Thailand in November 2013 and numerous discussions with Khmer Krom activists who reside within Cambodia. In addition, MIRO has incorporated consultations with stakeholders and the assessment of legal documents and news items into this comprehensive analysis.
Please find attached the full report as well as a short summary of the report.
For further information please contact:
Mr. ANG Chanrith Tel. 012-934 802
Mr. SOURN Butmao Tel. 011-919 979
Minority Rights Organization (MIRO)
# 18D St 568, Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. E-mail: [email protected]