Laos Human Rights Advocate Dies

Monday, November 28, 2011

Laos Human Rights Advocate Dies

Washington, D.C. , and Vientiane, Laos, November 25, 2011, For Immediate Release
info@centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org
Contact: Jade Her or Philip Smith
Center for Public Policy Analysis
Tele. (202) 543-1444

Khampet Moukdarath, a human rights advocate for the people of Laos, and a survivor of the Lao gulag and reeducation system, died on November 6, 2011, in the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area. He was honored at recent events in Washington, D.C., by the Laotian-American community, the United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc. (ULDL), United Lao for Human Rights and Democracy (ULHRD), Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) and others.

“Because of his devotion to his Buddhist faith and his love of the nation of Laos, Colonel Khampet Moukdarath suffered from torture and abuse in reeducation camps in Laos for over 13 long years following the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) invasion of the Royal Kingdom of Laos and the Pathet Lao communist guerilla takeover,” said Bounthanh Rathigna, President of the United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc.

“We remember the Lao veterans and Lao people who suffered unbelievable torture and pain for their beloved nation and people following the brutal communist military takeover by Vietnam, and for those Laotian people who were persecuted, tortured and killed in the reeducation camps,” said Colonel Khamthene Chinvayong, of the Lao Veterans Association.

“We will never forget Khampet Moukdarath’s deep and compassionate love for the suffering Laotian people, and his devotion to their future as well as the historical legacy of the sovereign nation of Laos, the Royal Kingdom of Laos,” said Philip Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) in Washington, D.C. “On many occasions Khampet Moukdarath courageously testified at the U.S. Congressional Forum on Laos and at other policy events in Washington, D.C., about the plight of Laos and the Laotian people and about human rights violations in Southeast Asia.” http://www.centerforpublicpollcyanalysis.org

“Colonel Khampet Moukdarath’s life, and unique kindness, in the face of overwhelming difficulty, and suffering, has been a great inspiration to the freedom-loving people of Laos and to so many in Washington, D.C., and internationally,” Smith continued.

Smith concluded: “We are grateful for Khampet Moukdarath’s important life and his compassionate efforts over the years; we are especially mindful of the incomprehensible and prolonged suffering he endured for 13 years as a reeducation camp victim and survivor—as well as his vision and hope for a brighter future for the freedom-loving Laotian and Hmong people.”

“We remember all those who suffered and died for their country, as veterans of the conflict in Laos, in defense of the Royal Kingdom of Laos,” said Colonel Wangyee Vang, National President of the Lao Veterans of American Institute.

Khampet Moukdarath rose to the rank of Colonel in the Royal Lao Army during the Vietnam War.

Following Moukdarath’s release from reeducation camps in Sam Neua and Xieng Khouang provinces in Laos, he fled Laos as a political refugee and lived in Thailand before being granted asylum in the United States. He frequently participated in pro-democracy and human rights events on Capitol Hill and in front of the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C. On numerous occasions, from 1998-2010, Moukdarath served as a keynote speaker at the U.S. Congressional Forum on Laos held in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and Library of Congress.

Colonel Moukdarath was affectionate and fond of the Laotian people, as well as the minority peoples of Laos, including the minority Hmong ethnic group, whom he often worked with on key human rights issues. He advocated for the release of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy demonstrators, who were arrested in October of 1999 in Vientiane, Laos, and who continue to be subjected to harsh imprisonment in Laos.

In 2009, Moukdarath spoke out at international policy events held on Capitol Hill, and at the National Press club in Washington, D.C., in support of Kay Danes and other political prisoners, who were imprisoned in Laos’ notorious Phonthong and Sam Khe prisons. Three Lao Hmong-American citizens from St Paul, Minnesota, including Mr. Hakit Yang, who were also arrested and imprisoned in recent years in Laos, were also the subject of Moukdarath’s concerns and testimony at the U.S. Congressional Forum on Laos held at that time. Moukdarath boldly called for their immediate release by the Lao government.

Colonel Moukdarath was honored by the CPPA and many others at funeral ceremonies held in Alexandria, Virginia, that were attended by hundreds from the Laotian community across the United States on November 14-15.

Organizations honoring the life and legacy of Colonel Khampet Moukdarath include the ULDL, CPPA, United Lao for Human Rights and Democracy, Inc. (ULHRD), Lao Veterans Association, Lao Veterans of America, Inc., Lao Veterans of America Institute, Laos Institute for Democracy, Laos Students Association, Hmong Advancement, Inc., Hmong Advance, Inc and others.

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Wahroonga woman's 'school of change' for Hmong refugees

Tuesday, November 22, 2011


Jen Spoor at home in Wahroonga. Picture: JOE MURPHY

MOST people would find it hard to sleep at night after witnessing extreme hardship and poverty but unlike most people, Wahroonga woman Jen Spoor actually did something about it.

In 2008 after seeing children from Laos locked up in Thai refugee camp being educated in a tiny classroom, she returned home and set about initiating change.

“When you looked over the fence and saw those little children with these big eyes, it was really quite horrific,” Ms Spoor said.

“When I came home I was devastated, an absolute mess. I thought about how we live in such a privileged place and how surely there was something I could do.”

Steps with Hope was born out of help from the West Epping Uniting Church.

After a few jazz, trivia and garden parties at her home, Ms Spoor had enough money for a high school to run alongside the infant school.

Unfortunately in 2009 the refugees were sent back to Laos but Ms Spoor did not give up.

She teamed up with the Sangtawan Children’s Home Foundation, to support a school for Cambodian children being run on the Thai border.

“The children go to school in the morning, then walk home across the border to work in the fields all afternoon,” she said.

“They are very poor but just the most joyful children you have ever seen.”

It has been transformed from three tiny rooms into a whole new building catering for 70 children with three teachers, a co-ordinator and maintenance worker.

Steps with Hope now want to add guttering, a fence and a playground as well as holding a Christmas party.

If you can help Steps with Hope visit www.stepswithhope.org or phone Jen Spoor on 0414 230 162.

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Laos, Vietnam Human Rights Appeal Issued in Washington

2011-11-15 18:05:31 - "We have gathered here in Washington, D.C., to memorialize and remember all of the Laotian, Vietnamese, Hmong and Asian people who continue to suffer human rights violations, religious persecution, torture and harsh imprisonment, without due process, and the rule of law; We remember, and are here, to demonstrate against the oppressive corruption and ongoing attacks by the secret police and military forces of the Lao regime in Vientiane, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, against ordinary Lao and Hmong people who seek political, religious and economic freedom for Laos," stated Bounthanh Rathigna, President of the United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc.

November 15, 2011, Washington, D.C., Vientiane, Laos and Bangkok, Thailand
For Immediate Release


The United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc., (ULDL) has released the text of a seven-point international appeal and statement following events it hosted last week in Washington, D.C., which included representatives of the Laotian, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong and Asian-American community The Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) and other non-governmental organizations (NGO) and policymakers were invited to speak and participate in policy events, Capitol Hill meetings and a human rights rally held in front of the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C. www.centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org

The following is the text of the statement issued by Bounthanh Rathigna, President of the ULDL:


Statement of Bounthanh Rathigna, President
United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
November 5-8, 2011
Laos International Policy Conference &
Demonstration and Protest Rally In Front of the
Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Honored Guests, American policymakers, Members of the U.S. Congress and staff, Fellow Laotian leaders, Lao and Hmong students, fellow NGO and non-profit organization leaders, representatives of the Free Vietnamese Community and other freedom loving people of Asia and America, Ladies and Gentleman, I am Bounthanh Rathigna, President of the United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc. (ULDL) and I welcome you here today at our international policy conference and protest rally and demonstration in front of the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C.

It is good to see so many friends and supporters from across the country and from Laos gathered here in Washington to discuss the problems of the one-party, corrupt authoritarian regimes in Laos and Vietnam that continue to persecute their own citizens. I deeply appreciate your efforts to discuss and to protest human rights violations in Laos and the dictatorship of the Hanoi-backed Stalinist regime in Laos that continues to imprison and persecute the freedom-loving Laotian people.

We have gathered here in Washington, D.C., to memorialize and remember all of the Laotian, Vietnamese, Hmong and Asian people who continue to suffer human rights violations, religious persecution, torture and harsh imprisonment, without due process, and the rule of law. We remember, and are here, to demonstrate against the oppressive corruption and ongoing attacks by the secret police and military forces of the Lao regime in Vientiane, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, against ordinary Lao and Hmong people who seek political, religious and economic freedom for Laos. We especially remember the Lao Student Movement for Democracy protesters of October 26, 1999, who peacefully demonstrated in Vientiane for democracy, human rights and political and economic reform but were arrested and continue to suffer in jail. After 12 years they are still suffering in prison in Laos for their beliefs and for their efforts to bring about reform and change in Laos.

We are here to bring attention to and remember the Laotian and Hmong hiding in the jungles and mountains of Laos who continue to suffer military attacks by Vietnam People’s Army Forces and the Lao Army because they wish to live in peace and freedom apart from the Communist regime in Laos’s persecution and religious freedom violations and human rights violations.

We, therefore, are calling for:

1.) An end to the dictatorships in Laos and Vietnam. In Laos, we are calling for the hosting of truly free and fair multi-party elections in Laos monitored by the international community and an end to one-party Communist rule in Laos by the Lao People’s Army, and its military junta, that controls the Politburo in Vientiane;

2.) The immediate withdrawal of all Hanoi-backed army units and secret police of the Vietnam People’s Army that remain on the territory of Laos in support of the Lao communist regime’s (the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party) efforts to oppress and persecute the Laotian and Hmong people and exploit the economic resources of Laos and destroy its environment; We want the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately withdrawal alls its troops, soldiers and police from Laos—as well as its covert security advisors;


3.) An immediate end to illegal logging by Vietnam People’s Army owned companies in Xieng Khouang, Sam Neua, Khammoune, Luang Prabang and other provinces in Laos that is destroying the environment, killing minority peoples such as the Lao Hmong people, and exploiting the natural resources of Laos without just compensation to ordinary Laotians;

4.) Stop the persecution, imprisonment, torture and killing of religious believers in Laos, including dissident Buddhists, minority Catholics, Protestant Christians and independent Animist believers; We, the Laotian people, want true freedom of religion for all Laotians of all religious faiths;

5.) Allow international humanitarian access to, and release, all political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, and foreign prisoners, including the Lao Students for Democracy Movement leaders, Hakit Yang and other two other Lao-Hmong American citizens from St. Paul Minnesota;

6.)Allow international humanitarian access to, and release, the over 8,500 Lao Hmong refugees and asylum seekers who fled persecution in Laos and who were tragically and brutally forced from Huay Nam Khao, Thailand, back to the regime in Laos in 2009 and 2010;

7.) Release the Ban Vang Tao patriots, the Laotian citizens, who were forced back to Laos from Thailand after their courageous efforts to raise the Royal Flag of Laos, the true and traditional flag of Laos, in opposition to the arrest and imprisonment of the Lao Student leaders and in support of freedom for their beloved country of Laos.

At these events in Washington, D.C. and the demonstration and protest in front of the Lao Embassy, we are here to give voice to the millions of suffering people of Laos and Vietnam who continue to live under the brutal Stalinist regimes in Vientiane and Hanoi. We are here to call for freedom and human rights for Laos, Vietnam and all of the people of Asia.

Thank you.
(End Statement by Bounthanh Rathigna, President, the United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc.)

Invited participants and cosponsors included the ULDL, CPPA, United Lao for Human Rights and Democracy (ULHRD), Laos Institute for Democracy, Inc., Lao Students for Democracy, Lao Veterans of America, Inc., Free Vietnam Community, Hmong Advance, Inc., Hmong Advancement, Inc., and other NGOs and Asian-American organizations.

Laotian-American, and Asian-American, delegations from Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Rhode Island and other states, also attended and participated.

Thank you.

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CPPA -- Center for Public Policy Analysis

Contact: Jade Her or Philip Smith
Tele. (202) 543-1444
info@centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org

2020 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Suite 220
Washington, DC 20006 USA

www.cppa-dc.org
York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Rhode Island and other states, also attended and participated.

Thank you.

###

CPPA -- Center for Public Policy Analysis

Contact: Jade Her or Philip Smith
Tele. (202) 543-1444
info@centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org

2020 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Suite 220
Washington, DC 20006 USA

www.cppa-dc.org

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Kathy Walsh Nufer column: Hmong students learn about past through play

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

"A long, long time ago and many thousands of miles away, there lived a beautiful group of beings who had originated from China.

"Beauty flourished within their culture and much hard work and dedication was put into the making of their traditional foods and clothing. Dance and ball toss were both well-known sources of entertainment.

"But, above all, these peaceful, strong-hearted people loved each other very much. These people were known as the Hmong."

And so begins "We Are Hmong," a play that tells the story of the origins of Hmong clans, the critical role they played in helping the American CIA and U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, their persecution by communists and dramatic escape from Laos to the refugee camps of Thailand, and eventually, their resettlement in America.

Kreston Peckham, Renaissance School for the Arts drama teacher and director of West's theater program, introduced the play project last school year in a Renaissance elective course, "We Are Hmong."

Having directed a play about the Jewish Holocaust, he noted the strong presence of Hmong students in Renaissance and thought, "Why not do a play about them? It's important their stories get told."

He had his students gather stories, and those stories were woven into a script, written mostly by the class.

"My plan was to turn it into theater that could be acted out and performed as part of West's theater season," he said.

The collaboration brought together 46 West and Renaissance students, most of them Hmong and many with no prior performance experience.

In Peckham's words, this is "heavy material," and sharing family stories of survival against great odds, layered with loss and grief, has been an emotional journey for students.

Like many immigrants in transition, new generations of Hmong are not as fluent in their native language or as connected to their culture and customs as their parents and grandparents would like.

While eager to see their children educated and successful in pursuit of the American dream, elders also fear they're becoming too Americanized.

"A lot of us don't know how to speak the language and little about our customs," said junior Kasheng Lee, 16, who feels like she has gained a deeper understanding of her culture through writing and performing the play.

She and others also see the importance of remembering the hell their families went endured in the jungles and refugee camps and the price they paid for freedom and a future.

"It's a good way to teach everybody," Lee said. "We didn't write down everything about our history. We don't really have a textbook on this. All this information is from stories and off the top of our heads."

The family stories compel your attention, from personal accounts of seeing their villages destroyed and loved ones killed by the communists, years on the run trying to survive before crossing the Mekong River to Thailand, and then life in Thai refugee camps and the shock of traveling across the world to the U.S. to start new lives.

Senior Connie Vang, 17, said reading her mother's story during auditions was a powerful moment.

"It almost felt like I was meant to read that," she said. "I felt like I was there. The loneliness, being left behind (after her village was bombed), the loss they felt. I cried."

"Every other play, we act out another person's culture," said sophomore Choua Rosemary Xiong, 15. "This play is our culture and it's emotional because you can really relate to it. A lot of those stories did happen. People don't realize the Hmong went through all this."

"So many Hmong have wanted to say so much but haven't had an opportunity to share," said Yer Chang, 17, a senior who was born in a refugee camp.

"This is a big step to help the Hmong share what they went through. It's important for audiences in general to learn about the Hmong, but I think the Hmong will learn something about themselves, too. I found out a lot of things about my family I never knew."

She said she never fully appreciated the fact that her mom and relatives risked their lives crossing the Mekong River.

"I knew it was big and they swam over, but all I could imagine was a big pool," she said.

Her family members have always been stoic about their ordeal, she added.

"They didn't show you expressions of fright."

The play stresses the role of education in the lives of Hmong and the responsibility that many young Hmong feel to be worthy of their family's sacrifice.

"We don't take education for granted," Xiong said. "Hmong kids feel they have to do something good and get somewhere in life."

The girls have high hopes that their performances, including two matinees for nearly 2,000 school children, will inspire respect for the Hmong from their audiences.

"I want people to learn our ancestors and parents sacrificed everything to survive," Vang said. "They sacrificed everything for us."

Lee wants to make sure the Hmong merit more than a footnote in a history book.

"They didn't just come over here that easily or quickly," Lee said. "They had to go through war, and they faced death to be free. There's a lot more to it."

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Laos, Hmong Veterans' Burial Honors Advanced in Congress

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Washington, D.C., November 1, 2011

Key leaders of the Laotian and Hmong-American community have joined with the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) in Washington, D.C. to seek to honor Lao and Hmong veterans and their families and work to grant the veterans burial rights at U.S. national cemeteries. Colonel Wangyee Vang, National President of the Lao Veterans of America Institute (LVAI) is on Capitol Hill leading a major campaign to educate U.S. policymakers and Members of Congress about the history and plight of Laotian and Hmong veterans of the “U.S. Secret Army” in Laos, who served as allies alongside U.S. covert forces during the Vietnam War.

Over the last two weeks, Laotian and Hmong veterans and their families converged upon the U.S. Congress and delivered letters and petitions of appeal. Thousands of letters were delivered to the U.S. Congress by the LVAI and Lao Veterans of America.

U.S. Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Frank Wolf (R-VA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Thomas Petri (R-WI), Jim Moran (D-VA), Tim Holden (D-PA) and a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives recently helped to re-introduced legislation, H.R. 3192, to honor Laotian and Hmong veterans and permit their burial at U.S. national veterans’ cemeteries.

“We are here in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. Congress, going door-to-door on behalf of the Laotian and Hmong veterans and Lao Hmong-American community,” said Colonel Vang of the LVAI, a national non-profit organization. “Lao and Hmong veterans deserve to be buried at U.S. national veterans cemeteries to help restore honor to the Lao Hmong-American community and as long overdue recognition for their important sacrifices in support of their defense of the United States and Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War.”

“Today, we are again here on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with many of our chapters and members from across the United States, to follow-up on Lao and Hmong veterans burial bill and to educate Members of the U.S. Congress in the House and Senate about the ongoing needs of the veterans and their families in the United States,” Colonel Vang said.

Wangyee Vang concluded: “We are fighting to educate and persuade the Congress and policymakers to continue to honor and respect the legacy of our veterans and their refugee families in the United States and Southeast Asia.” http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1110/S00673/laos-hmong-veterans-of-vietnam-war-fight-for-burial-honors.htm

“We want the U.S. Congress to act now to help our veterans,” said Wangmeng Vang, a Lao Hmong special forces combat veteran of the Vietnam War from the Midwest.

H.R.3192 would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries, by honorary burial or cremation rights, individuals who supported the United States in defending the Royal Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War era.

"We are, indeed, deeply honored and pleased to join Colonel Wangyee Vang and the Lao Veterans of America Institute (LVAI) as well as the Lao Veterans of America (LVA) and other Lao and Hmong non-profit organizations to participate in this important initiative to further educate U.S. policymakers and Members of Congress about the history and plight of Laotian and Hmong veterans and their refugee families,” said Philip Smith, Executive Director of the Washington, D.C.-based CPPA.

The CPPA is a non-governmental research organization focused on U.S. national security, foreign policy, human rights and refugee issues. http://www.centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org/

Smith continued: “The Laotian and Hmong veterans of the ‘U.S. Secret Army’ in Laos, who served as allies alongside U.S. covert forces during the Vietnam War, should be honored at U.S. national veterans cemeteries and permitted interment, with official ceremonial burial or cremation honors .”

“Hmong veterans served side-by-side with American forces in Vietnam, and these veterans deserve the honor of a final resting place next to their brothers in arms,” U.S. Congressman Jim Costa stated. “These veterans defended our American ideals long before any of them called our country home. Extending burial benefits to our Hmong veterans recognizes their sacrifice and honors their patriotic service.”

"These (Laotian and Hmong) veterans fought and bled in our common struggle in Southeast Asia. Extending burial benefits to those who came to the United States following the communist takeover of Laos recognizes their sacrifice and honors their service," stated U.S. Congressman Thomas Petri (R-WI).

Laotian and Hmong community organizations helping to lead recent efforts in Washington, D.C. include the LVAI, LVA, CPPA, United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc., Laos Institute for Democracy, Lao Students Movement for Democracy, Hmong Advance, Inc., Hmong Advancement, Inc., Hmong Students Association and others.
Contact:

Ms. Jade Her or Mr. Philip Smith
info@centerforpublcpolicyanalysis.org
Tele. (202) 543-1444

CPPA – Center for Public Policy Analysis
2020 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20006

http://www.cppa-dc.org/

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