Foreign Prisoner Support Services have been informed by reliable sources that Miss Latda Pathammavong - a Lao national working for the International Organizations Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Laos, allegedly took part in a repatriation program in 1996 that resulted in the arrest and detention of at least five Laotians surrendering in good faith under the program.

The witnesses report that the Lao nationals who surrendered in December 1996 were guaranteed safety by the UNHCR and the Lao MFA that no action would be taken against the Laotions who had previously lived in exile. Sources report that the Lao nationals were promised a parcel of land as a measure of good will.

Immediately upon their return to Laos, they were arrested and to this day are incarcerated in a Laotian prison in the capital of Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The individuals have been detained for the past eight years without charge and without any support from the International community [UNHCR] that allegedly guaranteed their safety.

Their identities have been confirmed by a number of sources that claim the individuals have received no medical treatment or legal support since their incarceration. Their families are restricted from visiting them.

Refugees International have made several visits to Wat Tham Krabok as part of the resettlement process for Hmong refugees. Miss Latda Pathammavong is reported to be working closely in association with Refugees International.

FPSS call on the UNHCR to further investigate this case in the interests of protecting the integrity of the repatriation program and safety of those requiring its assistance.

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