BANGKOK, Jan 28 – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought clarification from a variety of agencies on the plight and options for Thailand’s well over a thousand Rohingya migrants, a senior commissioner said today.
Commission member Niran Pitakvachara said the Burmese Rohingya Association in Thailand, led by Vinai Salem, recently petitioned the agency to help prevent the repatriation of Rohingya migrants to Myanmar, their country of origin.
A total of 1,486 Rohingya ethnic people have been detained at various shelters in southern Thailand. Among them, 264 are women and children.
Mr Niran said the NHRC has invited agencies concerned to explain the situation, including the Foreign Ministry, National Security Council, Social Development and Human Security Ministry, Public Health Ministry, Sheikhul Islam Office, Immigration Police Bureau and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Commission heard that medical officials have provided health checkups and assistance to the Rohingya migrants, particularly those who are sick and injured, on humanitarian grounds and they will be allowed to stay in Thailand until a decision is reached on whether to send them to their country of origin or to third countries.
Some have relatives in neighbouring countries and want to reunite with family members, the NHRC was told.
The head of UNHCR in Thailand has expressed appreciation to the Thai government and southern communities for taking care of the Rohingya migrants and hoped the migrant problem will be solved in a sustainable manner.
