BKK Post: illegal workers' lives p

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Subject: BKK Post: illegal workers'  lives placed in jeopardy

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Lives placed in jeopardy

The crackdown on illegal workers has jeopardised the safety of thousands of
people who fled persecution in Burma, Amnesty International said yesterday.

Authorities have deported more than 1,500 illegal Burmese workers over the 
past
week.

"Many with well-founded fears of persecution in Myanmar [Burma] are at risk of
being returned with no opportunity to claim asylum," Amnesty said.

"Amnesty International is further concerned at reports that those deported are
being refused entry or being arrested for illegal entry by the Myanmar
authorities.

"This has resulted in many being stranded in the Moei river which separates
Thailand from Myanmar.. and in the surrounding jungle on Thai territory where
they have no food, water or shelter."A number of people were reported to have
drowned while trying to return to Thailand.

The repatriation has been complicated by Rangoon's decision in October to 
close
its border with Thailand.