The repatriation of some 120,000 refugees along the Thai-Burma border was discussed during a meeting of stakeholders last week, but an official from the United Nations’ refugee agency insists there remains no firm timetable on a large-scale return of the displaced despite talks on the matter between Burma’s new government and its Thai counterpart.
“The main focus of the meeting was on refugee registration and resettlement [to third-party countries], which is winding down after 11 years. The subject of voluntary return was not on the agenda but was prompted by a question,” said Vivian Tan, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangkok.
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC) spokesperson Naw Blooming Night Zar confirmed that the April 27 meeting, which included officials from both governments, NGOs and representatives of the UNHCR and from refugee camps, did not focus on repatriation of those living in nine camps on the border. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
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