UNHCR dismayed by deportation of a third Cambodian refugee by Thai Authorities this month Home Press releases Press releases UNHCR dismayed by deportation of a third Cambodian refugee by Thai Authorities this month 22 November 2021 Also available in: French UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, deplores Thailand’s deportation of a Cambodian refugee, which occurred only ten days after the authorities deported two other Cambodian refugees. This action contravenes the principle of non-refoulement, which obliges States – including Thailand – not to expel or return people to a territory where their life or freedom would be threatened. On 19 November, the Cambodian refugee was arrested. UNHCR immediately notified the authorities of the individual’s refugee status and urged the Government not to return the individual to Cambodia over serious concerns for the safety of the refugee. The refugee was held in a detention centre in Aranyaprathet overnight and deported to Cambodia the following day, on 20 November. “We are extremely alarmed by this trend of forcibly returning refugees to Cambodia, where they face a serious risk of persecution. Given recent developments, we are very concerned about the safety of UNHCR recognised Cambodian refugees in Thailand,” said Gillian Triggs, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection. “We urge the Royal Thai Government to refrain from deporting recognized refugees and to abide by its international obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement. UNHCR continues to offer its full support to the Government in ensuring the protection of those in need in Thailand,” she added. UNHCR is seeking urgent clarification from the Thai authorities regarding the circumstances leading to this most recent deportation and the fate of those returned in Cambodia. UNHCR exhorts Cambodian authorities to uphold international human rights standards and to allow human rights organisations access to the deportees. Related news and stories Press releases UNHCR calls on States to refrain from forced returns of Haitians Stories UNHCR protection chief urges fresh approaches to safeguard refugees Briefing notes Violence erupts in DR Congo's west as nearly 30,000 flee clashes Briefing notes UN Refugee Agency issues new legal guidance on protection of Somali refugees Press releases To support trafficking victims, UNHCR urges more protection services in Africa Press releases Global evaluation: International COVID-19 response fell short in upholding refugee rights Press releases UNHCR welcomes Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection in the Americas Briefing notes After 100 days of anguish, UNHCR is focused on protection and shelter for Ukrainians Previous Next
Home Press releases Press releases UNHCR dismayed by deportation of a third Cambodian refugee by Thai Authorities this month 22 November 2021 Also available in: French
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