Phnom Penh, 20 June 2014 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) is deeply critical of the uncivilized and inhumane manner in which Cambodian migrants have been treated by the Thai military junta as a result of its drive to deport undocumented migrants, which has resulted in serious violations of the rights of migrant workers.
The junta created widespread fear among Cambodian workers in Thailand through threats, intimidation and violence. Eyewitness accounts show the Thai military culpable for the deaths of a number of Cambodians. In one incident, witnesses report that the Thai authorities shot at a truckload of Cambodians on the way to the border, causing an accident which resulted in the deaths of some of the passengers. In another incident, witnesses reported Thai soldiers shooting Cambodians who were attempting to evade arrest. Numerous witnesses on the border have reported having been extorted returning to Cambodia.
ADHOC deeply regrets that with the 10 ASEAN member states on the eve of deeper i
ntegration into ‘One Community, One Destiny’ in 2015, ASEAN member states can treat the citizens of other ASEAN states with such disregard for their human rights. Are poorer members of ASEAN not considered as equal members of ASEAN? If the people of ASEAN are considered as equal, each country must treat the citizens of other ASEAN states in a civilized way with respect to their human rights, dignity and the spirit of the ASEAN Charter.
ADHOC accepts that the Thai authorities may repatriate undocumented workers. However, the Thai junta should have done so humanely and with respect to the inherent human 
dignity of Cambodian people. The junta should have prepared and made plans for the repatriation of Cambodians, announcing such a move in a timely manner and preparing for their repatriation properly, instead of packing them into trucks like animals. The Thai junta should have coordinated with the Cambodian government to achieve this.
To resolve the current crisis and ensure respect for the human rights of Cambodian people and adherence to the spirit of the ASEAN Charter, ADHOC offers the following recommendations:
- ASEAN host states should take measures to regularize migrant workers to meet the needs of the labor market, rather than conduct arbitrary expulsions as occurred in this instance;
- The sending country (e.g Cambodia) should take positive measures to reduce unemployment and create jobs to reduce labor migration;
- The Cambodian government must provide for migrants streaming into the country to ensure their welfare, providing sufficient land for their subsistence and adequate housing;
- The ASEAN should establish a commission on the rights of migrant workers to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers in the ASEAN.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Thun Saray, (President) 016 44 00 44 – Khmer, English, French
Mr. Ny Chakrya (Head of Human Rights and Legal Aid Section) 011 274 959 – Khmer, English
Mrs Chhan Sokunthea, (Head of Women and Children Section and Alternative Dispute Resolution Section) 012 344 719 – Khmer, English
Mr. Neil Loughlin (Technical Assistant) 092 648 318; loughlin.adhoc@gmail.com – English
