Human Rights: Film offers hope to those betrayed in Laos, Thailand

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- The release of the film NERAKHOON ("The Betrayal") in New York was lauded today by a coalition of Lao, Hmong and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The Lao Hmong Students Organization, the Lao Veterans of America, United League for Democracy in Laos, the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) and a coalition of non-profit organizations, and NGOs hailed the importance of the film's debut in the U.S. The organizations recognized NERAKHOON's creative, historical and social contribution. They express hopes regarding the film's positive impact on the Lao Diaspora community and those still suffering under oppression and corruption in the authoritarian Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (LPDR) and in squalid refugee camps in Nong Khai and Huay Nam Khao, Thailand.

"The suffering, freedom-loving people of Laos have been betrayed and forgotten and need the understanding and attention of the United States and international community," stated Khamphet Moukdarat, a former Royal Lao Army officer who served with U.S. forces. He was imprisoned in a reeducation camp in Laos for over a decade.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and UNHCR have issued appeals regarding the human rights and refugee crisis in Thailand and Laos.

"NERAKHOON is helping to shed overdue light, understanding and compassion on the betrayal of the Lao people, both past and present," said Philip Smith, Executive Director of the CPPA in Washington, D.C. "Many anticipate that this film will also help to bring dignity, honor and hope to thousands of suffering Lao and Hmong veterans, refugees and dissidents in Thailand and Laos that are currently facing forced repatriation, military attacks, and horrific human rights violations."

Earlier this year in the U.S. Congress, legislation was introduced regarding the crisis facing the Lao people. Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Frank Wolf (R-VA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the bill, H. Res. 1273.

"The special history of the Hmong and Lao veterans of the U.S. Secret War in Laos is important to understand; and it is important to honor those who served so honorably during this conflict," said Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt, Hmong and Lao scholar and author of Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, the Americans and the Secret Wars for Laos (Indiana University Press) at Lao veterans ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery in May, 2007. http://www.tragicmountains.org

Source: Center for Public Policy Analysis

Published by Mike Hitchen, mikehitchenconsulting.com
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