UNHCR "VERY ALARMED"

[darnott@xxxxxxxxxx]

UNHCR STATEMENT ON THE FORCIBLE REPATRIATION FROM THAILAND OF
KAREN REFUGEES
 
 
Geneva 28/2/97
 
At a press briefing on 28/2/97 at the Palais des Nations in
Geneva, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR) said:
 
"UNHCR is very alarmed about the situation of the Karen
refugees at the Thai border with Myanmar.  We have raised our
concern to Thai officials and we are seeking clarification. On
Thursday, UNHCR staff went on a mission to Kanchinaburi and
Ratchaburi provinces, where they received confirmation that
about 1,000 Karen refugees seeking to enter Thailand from Hti
Lai Par in Myanmar were prevented from doing so. 
 
"The staff was told that all Karen males over the age of 15
were also prevented from entering Thailand.  It was also
confirmed that about 900 Karen who had sought refuge in
Thailand on 22 February were refouled on 25 February. Local
Thai authorities informed UNHCR that the area to which the
refugees were returned, Tha Ma Pyo, is considered safe. 
 
"We are troubled by this in view of the Myanmar army offensive
and the apparent move by Thai authorities to continue
transporting approximately 3,000 Karen, who fled into
Kanchinaburi province during the recent fighting, to Tha Ma
Pyo.
 
"UNHCR is concerned about the safety of some 2,000 Karen
refugees who are at Pu Nam Ron in Thailand, which is three km
from the Myanmar army outpost."
 
 
Burma Peace Foundation 28/2/97