EU Presidency statement on the situation of 152 Lao Hmong in Nong Khai Province in Thailand

Press release 531/2006
14 December, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the news that the Royal Thai Government has taken steps to reconsider the deportation of 152 Lao Hmong, including 85 children. The majority of the 152 Hmongs, who are being detained at an immigration centre in Nong Khai Province in northeastern Thailand, have already been recognised as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The Presidency stresses the importance of respect for the principle of non-refoulement and urges the Royal Thai Government to ensure that the 152 Lao Hmong will not be deported to their country of origin, and that they and other Lao Hmong held for illegal entry are released from detention in order to determine their protection needs.

The Presidency of the European Union urges the Royal Thai Government to find a durable solution to the situation of Lao Hmongs in Thailand with participation by the international community.