Hmong UNHCR Refugees in the Immigration Detention Centre Nong Khai, Thailand

I have gotten permission to use these photos from Yvonne. She lives in Thailand and visits the Hmong people at the Immigration Detention Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, when given the opportunity.

1-3 Feb 2009
I went to visit the 158 Hmong UNHCR Refugees in the Immigration Detention Centre Nong Khai, Thailand.

They have been there for 800 days - waiting to be relocated to a Third Country.
158 people including 91 children, who are locked up for 22 hours a day.

PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS TO PROTEST THE DETENTION OF THESE INNOCENT CHILDREN.

THIS FORCED DETENTION OF CHILDREN GOES AGAINST ALL THE RULES KNOWN TO LAW AND CIVILISED MAN.

Leaders, Zhong Lee and Blia Shoua Her, eager for all news and information. Begged me to tell the world of their plight and to Please Please get them out of their detention.

They are weary, and constant harrassment from Thai and Laos Officialdom are taking a heavy toll on mental and physical well being. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

Silent, her eyes convey the concern and fear for her children's future.LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

Just some of the 91 children who are allowed out into fresh hour for only 2 hours a day, seven days a week. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.


Queueing quickly and quietly the children gathered for the small gift of milk that I brought with me. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

The children gather to see who has come see them during their two hours of precious play time. Today it was me. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

Toys are the leaves from the trees, and the fence is barbed wire. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.
Young men who deserve a future. Intelligent and questioning. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

A little toddler, in awe of his milk box and toy koala. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

These children have no immediate family in the camp and are cared for by an 18 year old girl. They keep close together at all times. LOCKED UP 22 HOURS A DAY.

Bla Zang Fang is 86, and often sits apart from the others, gazing into the distance - what does he remember, and what does he hope for?
He was the first to welcome me on my brief visits, and the last to say goodbye as I left the barbed wire behind and I walked down the road in tears.
LOCKED UP 24 HOURS A DAY.