Embargoed until 22 September 2010
Public Statement
Brutal crime against the innocent in Bacho, Narathivath condemned
The state must come up with measures to solve disputes among communities
Four Buddhist civilians were killed and their houses burned around 20.00 on 18 September 2010. Taking place in Barae Tai Sub-district, Bachao District, Narathiwat, the incidence was one of the most heinous, brutal and gravest violations of human rights in Thailand. Cross Cultural Foundation (CrCF) condemns this criminal act and cruel, inhumane, and degrading deed which will perpetuate the feelings of hatred and might give rise to more violent insurgencies. It could be assumed that the act was committed to instigate more conflicts and to worsen the misunderstanding, disputes and mistrust among people in communities as well as to perpetuate the lack of trust among people from different faiths and beliefs or between the state officials and general population.
CrCF urges the government to give most serious attention to develop preventive measures and to instruct all state machineries and security forces to ensure that those populations vulnerable to the unrest shall be provided with the most effective protection to keep up their welfare and safety. In 2010, Bachao district, Narathivath province has been home to a number of retaliatory violent acts including the fatal shooting of six hunters followed by shooting into a teashop causing three deaths and a dozen of injuries in April 2010. There was also an extrajudicial killing of at least two persons accused by the state of having been involved with the unrest that occurred in August 2010.
CrCF feels sorry and would like to offer our deep condolences to the families of the victims and call for concerned parties involved in the resolution of unrest in the Southern border provinces to consider taking the following steps;
1. An investigation must be made into the case to bring to justice those responsible for killing the innocent civilians. All of the investigative actions must be done in compliance with the rule of law to restore confidence in the justice process and faith in the state sector. The government must commit themselves to giving support to officials who perform their duties honestly and genuinely based on the rule of law.
2. The local agencies should review operations to develop understanding of the causes of and influences on violence and conflicts, particularly in the area of Bachao District, which seems to show a pattern of retaliation and a cycle of violence. Root causes of the problems must be considered in order to bring forward the possible reconciliation at the community level. All parties in the community sector must be involved in solving the problems more inclusively. Efforts have to be made to promote the use of nonviolence to restore peace and justice and to solve all conflicts.
3. Remedies should be given to the loss of lives and properties to ensure the physical and mental well being of the surviving families, particularly for families with small children which need special attention.
4. All parties have to refrain from the use of violence which causes more damage to lives and properties and all parties have to collectively figure out ways to solve the hatred due to religious and racial ground. All local civilians and officials in all units must be patient and must not be moved by the instigation of the perpetrators and stay determined to solve the problems through nonviolence and the rule of law.
For further information, please contact Ms. Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, phone 02-2753954
