Dec 14, 2006

Khmer-Krom: European Parliament to Help KK Refugees


In a recent conference attended by many distinguished members including the Transnational Radical Party (TRP) and UNPO, KKF representatives were invited to take part to discuss ways of promoting democracy.

Below is an article published by the Khmer-Krom Federation:

In light of their recent conference at Brussels, the KKF delegates have continued their campaign of initiating self determination by establishing vital links with European Parliament Members last weekend.

Attended by many distinguished members including the Transnational Radical Party (TRP) and the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisations (UNPO), KKF were invited to take part in conference to discuss ways of promoting democracy.

Members of the KKF, Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach and Mr. Tran Giap took this unique opportunity to inform the European Parliament about the Khmer-Krom people, their origins, struggles and their hopes of being recognised amongst the peoples of the world.

Recently elected a Presidency member of the UNPO, Mr. Thach gave a speech during the Parliament proceedings to bring up vital issues relating to the Khmer-Krom refugees in Cambodia.

Since the UN High Commissioner For Human Rights (UNHCHR)in Cambodia overturned its decision to provide aid for Khmer-Krom refugees fleeing the border from Vietnam in line with the Cambodian government’s decision to recognise them as citizens, very little has been done to accommodate these refugees.

Hundreds more have fled to the Cambodian-Thailand border fearing further prosecutions from secret Vietnamese agents in Cambodia only to be at the mercy of Thai authorities who has done little to ease their suffering.

Faced with untold suffering, many have been traumatised by the experience, the constant fear of persecution and the lack of help from United Nations.

On behalf of the KKF, Mr. Thach also spoke to Mr. Marco Pannella, President of the Senate of the Party to follow up on the issues of the Khmer-Krom refugees in Cambodia and explained about KKF non involvement with the politics of Cambodia.

“Our goals has and will always to serve, protect and help our people suffering back home living under the suppression of the VN communist government,” explains Mr. Thach in his interview.

“We do appreciate the support from the King of Cambodia, royal government and other political parties and thank those who have welcome the Khmer-Krom as part of the greater family”.

The outcome of this conference has generated a greater understanding between the KKF and the Parliament Members. Partnerships with such organisations as the TRP have the potential promise to help the thousands of homeless Khmer-Krom in Cambodia.

“The conference has fulfilled our roadmap and completes our 2006 agenda,” adds Mr. Thach. “We are grateful for the support from the European Parliament.”

Indeed, the door of opportunity has placed the KKF organisation one step closer to allowing the Khmer-Krom people to be recognized as one of the peoples amongst the greater international family.