The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) has opened up a three week session in Geneva to discuss the human right violations occurring around the world. Starting from March 12 until 30 March 2007, the session has been much anticipated amongst human rights groups, non governmental organizations, governments and indigenous organizations.
Mr. Thach Vien speaks to UN Special Rapporteur Mr. Thach Vien, Vice President of the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation of European Affairs was amongst the first delegate to attend the sessions in Geneva last week. On Monday 26 March 2007, Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach, President of the Khmers Kampuchea Krom Federation and Venerable Thach Berong spoke to Ms. Bernhard, representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Liaison Service for Switzerland and Liechtenstein about issues relating to the Khmer Krom people.
KKF President, Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach at Human Rights Council meeting One of the issue brought to her attention was regarding the current religious prosecution of Khmer Krom Buddhist monks for the alleged crime of organizing a non violent protest in Soc Trang last February. At least nine monks have been reportedly disrobed and three missing after being apprehended by Vietnamese authorities. The ongoing issue of Khmer Krom refugees in Thailand and Cambodia was also highlighted during the meeting with Ms Bernhard. In particular, the lack of recognition and identification papers for the fleeing refugees has meant that they were living in Thailand illegally. Images of protests conducted by Khmer and Khmer Krom communities across the world in response to the elevated human rights oppression in Kampuchea-Krom as well as evidences of the religious prosecution happening were also handed over to Ms Bernhard. In response, Ms. Bernhard has offered to bring the issues up during the HRC session as well as contact the UNHCR offices based in Cambodia and Vietnam to find means of resolving the issues.
Venerable Berong brings Khmer Krom religious prosecution issues to UN office in Geneva On the following day, KKF delegates attended a meeting with UN Special Rapporteur and are expected to attend another one in regards to Freedom of Belief later today.
Read Joint Statement of KKF and the International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities (IFPRERLOM) Read Radio Free Asia in the Khmer program coverage
