EU Must Take Action To End Violence Against Hmong
Photo: AFP/GETTY
The Lao and Vietnamese Military Campaign to Cleanse Laos of the Ethnic Hmong Requires Immediate Action
Further to the appeals of 5 and 19 October 2012, UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin and the Congress of World Hmong People urge the European Parliament to take action against the violent cleansing campaign being carried out by the Lao and Vietnamese militaries against the ethnic Hmong of north-central Laos.
On 25 and 26 September 2012, Lao and Vietnamese soldiers came from Moungcha and Xiangkhouang, firing weapons in the Hmong-inhabited region of Phou Bia Mountain in Xaysombun Special Zone. As of 19 October 2012, six military battalions were reported to be closing in on the Phou Bia region and two nearby military camps stocked with heavy weapons. Earlier this year, on 28 June 2012, six boys were murdered by Lao PDR forces when they left their village in search of food.
On 14 November 2012, President Chong Lor Her reported to the World Congress of Hmong People that armed conflict is now taking place between Lao PDR government forces and the United Hmong ChaoFa Democratic Liberation Party in the east and southeast of the Phou Bia region. Lao and Vietnamese soldiers are also occupying the villages of Moung Cha, Na Chia, Na Ka and Xieng Khoung. Resistance on the part of the Hmong has been minimal and unsuccessful.
Food sources in the region have been cut off and destroyed by Lao and Vietnamese military forces. Starvation amongst children and the elderly is of immediate concern and international humanitarian assistance has been requested. To date, reporters and international visitors have been prohibited from entering the region.
UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin urges the EU to take an active role in bringing about a peaceful and immediate resolution these atrocities.
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Maud Vanwalleghem | +32 251 314 59 | [email protected]
For a pdf version of the official UNPO urgent appeal from 19 November 2012, click here.
For a pdf version of the official UNPO urgent appeal from 24 October 2012, click here.
For a pdf version of the official UNPO press release from 8 October 2012, click here.
