Statement of concern on the detention of refugees and asylum seekers of Pakistani origin in Thailand (APRRN)
15/12/2010
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned and shocked at the arrest and detention of 86 refugees and asylum seekers of Pakistani origin in Bangkok. These vulnerable people were arrested from their homes in a dawn raid and taken to the Bangkok Detention Centre.
We have information that indicates that almost all the detainees have either been recognized as refugees by the UNHCR or have registration documents as their cases for Refugee Status Determination is under way. They all belong to the Ahmadiyya faith. The persecution of Ahmadis has been particularly severe and systematic in Pakistan, which is the only state to have officially declared the Ahmadis to be non-Muslims and are persecuted for professing their religion. The systematic persecution of the community in Pakistan is well documented.
This targeted detention by Thai officials of a particular community from their homes is particularly concerning and disturbing.
We have been informed that the detainees include more than 30 children who have been detained along with their parents.
Thailand has been generous and accommodating of those who have sought refuge within its borders. It has been compassionate and understanding of those in need of protection from persecution. These detentions however are a blot on the tolerant and compassionate image of Thailand.
Thailand is the President of the UN Human Rights Council, and it is highly unbecoming of the President of the Human Rights Coucil to sanction a flagrant violation of basic human rights. International human rights standards prohibit arbitrary, indefinite and non-reviewable detention. Refugees and asylum seekers should not be detained or penalized because they were compelled to enter a country irregularly or without proper documentation.
In addition, Thailand, which has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child, must ensure the best interest of all children, that they are protected and are not detained for migration-related purposes in the first instance.
These refugees and asylum seekers are NOT criminals, they need to be protected and not victimised.
We strongly urge the Thai government to reconsider its ill advised action and release the 86 detainees.
We hope the Thai government will adhere to the high standards of compassion and human rights through the unconditional release of the detainees.
Signed:
Asylum Access USA
Asylum Access Thailand Thailand
Egyptian Foundation for Refugee Rights Egypt
Fahamu Refugee Programme UK
Forum Asia Regional
Glo Foundation India
Health Equity Initiatives Malaysia
Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre Limited Hong Kong, China SAR
INHURED International Nepal
International Detention Coalition International
Khmer Kampuchea Krom Human Rights Association (KKKHRA) Cambodia
Korean Public Interest Lawyers Group GONGGAM Republic of Korea
Libyan League for Human Rights Libya
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service United States of America
Mapendo International USA
NANCEN South Korea
New Zealand National Refugee Network New Zealand
OfERR India
Peoples Empowerment Foundation Thailand
PPR Nepal Nepal
Refugee Council of Australia Australia
Thai Committee for Refugees (TCR) Thailand
The Arakan Project Regional
The National Human Rights Society of Malaysia (HAKAM) Malaysia
The Other Media India
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) USA
