Thailand, Protect Asylum Seekers!
Thailand should stop the deportation of Rohingya back to Burma (where they are persecuted) and change their policy, instead providing protection and asylum to these individuals.
Right now, Thai authorities are supposed to intercept Rohingya boats that come too close to land and give them necessary supplies as long as they move on to Malaysia or Indonesia. If a boat lands, they will be deported by land where they often end up in the hands of people smugglers, who force many of these people into labor.
This recently happened with a group of 73 people, with 20 of them being children as young as three-years-old. It was only when the government realized that they were too weak and the boat was too damaged that they were taken ashore, but they were scheduled to be deported the very next day.
Please tell Thailand to protect asylum seekers!
Dear Thailand Government,
Right now, the policy is to deport Rohingya individuals back to Burma (where they are persecuted) instead of providing them protection. If a boat comes too close to land, Thai authorities are supposed to give them necessary supplies as long as they sail on to Malaysia or Indonesia. If a boat has to land, these individuals are deported by land, where they are often captured by people smugglers and forced into labor.
Please change this policy and allow these individuals asylum and access to crucial services.
Thank you for your time.
