A 13-year old girl who was detained in Thailand for two years is in tears.
She, her mother and her 12-year-old brother were released on bail on Friday (January 27).
They are what Thailand calls stateless persons.
They were arrested for illegally entering Thailand in 2010. They're originally from the border of Vietnam and Cambodia, but are not recognised by either state.
Working with the Human Rights Commission and the Immigration department -- the Thai Committee for Refugees Foundation launched an initiative to free the family, and raised the equivalent of 4,800 dollars for their bail.
The 13-year-old said she'd like to help people in the same condition, in the future.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) UNIDENTIFIED 13-YEAR-OLD STATELESS GIRL, SAYING:
"I want to be a lawyer because I want to help other people who are in the same situation as me."
Thai officials say there are around 1 million stateless people detained in Thailand. Jail cells are usually overcrowded, and sanitation is poor.
Refugee rights advocates say this release is a big step for the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THAI COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES FOUNDATION VEERAWIT TIANCHAINAN, SAYING:
"The Human Rights Commission, the Immigration Department and non-governmental organisations are working together for the first time to develop human rights in Thailand."
The family will begin their application for official refugee status, with the aim of relocating to a third country.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
She, her mother and her 12-year-old brother were released on bail on Friday (January 27).
They are what Thailand calls stateless persons.
They were arrested for illegally entering Thailand in 2010. They're originally from the border of Vietnam and Cambodia, but are not recognised by either state.
Working with the Human Rights Commission and the Immigration department -- the Thai Committee for Refugees Foundation launched an initiative to free the family, and raised the equivalent of 4,800 dollars for their bail.
The 13-year-old said she'd like to help people in the same condition, in the future.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) UNIDENTIFIED 13-YEAR-OLD STATELESS GIRL, SAYING:
"I want to be a lawyer because I want to help other people who are in the same situation as me."
Thai officials say there are around 1 million stateless people detained in Thailand. Jail cells are usually overcrowded, and sanitation is poor.
Refugee rights advocates say this release is a big step for the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THAI COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES FOUNDATION VEERAWIT TIANCHAINAN, SAYING:
"The Human Rights Commission, the Immigration Department and non-governmental organisations are working together for the first time to develop human rights in Thailand."
The family will begin their application for official refugee status, with the aim of relocating to a third country.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
Category
🗞
News