Alleged abuse of refugees probed
THAI MILITARY ACCUSED OF ROLE IN DEATHS
OF HUNDREDS OF BURMESE BOAT PEOPLE
By: Larry Jagan and staff reporters
Published: 18/01/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
The Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it was investigating the pushing of Burmese boat people out to sea by the Thai military, which human rights advocates and survivors say contributed to the deaths of hundreds of men.
The ministry said it was “investigating and verifying all the facts and surrounding circumstances”.
But it added that while protecting the country’s sea borders from illegal activities, including illegal immigration, “we are committed to maintaining our traditional adherence to humanitarian principles and the protection of human rights”.
The United Nations refugee agency said it was concerned about the reports and urged the government to investigate.
“We request the Thai government take all measures necessary to ensure that the lives of Rohingya are not at risk and they are treated in accordance with humanitarian standards,” Kitty McKinsey, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said. continue http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/9921/alleged-abuse-of-refugees-probed
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