NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 NY-Hmong-Lao-veterans
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The release of
the film NERAKHOON ("The Betrayal") in New York was lauded today by a
coalition of Lao, Hmong and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Lao Hmong Students Organization, the Lao Veterans of America, United
League for Democracy in Laos, the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) and
a coalition of non-profit organizations, and NGOs hailed the importance of the
film's debut in the U.S. The organizations recognized NERAKHOON's creative,
historical and social contribution. They express hopes regarding the film's
positive impact on the Lao Diaspora community and those still suffering under
oppression and corruption in the authoritarian Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
(LPDR) and in squalid refugee camps in Nong Khai and Huay Nam Khao, Thailand.
"The suffering, freedom-loving people of Laos have been betrayed and
forgotten and need the understanding and attention of the United States and
international community," stated Khamphet Moukdarat, a former Royal Lao Army
officer who served with U.S. forces. He was imprisoned in a reeducation camp
in Laos for over a decade.
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders (MSF),
and UNHCR have issued appeals regarding the human rights and refugee crisis in
Thailand and Laos.
"NERAKHOON is helping to shed overdue light, understanding and compassion
on the betrayal of the Lao people, both past and present," said Philip Smith,
Executive Director of the CPPA in Washington, D.C. "Many anticipate that this
film will also help to bring dignity, honor and hope to thousands of suffering
Lao and Hmong veterans, refugees and dissidents in Thailand and Laos that are
currently facing forced repatriation, military attacks, and horrific human
rights violations."
Earlier this year in the U.S. Congress, legislation was introduced
regarding the crisis facing the Lao people. Congressman Patrick Kennedy
(D-RI), Frank Wolf (R-VA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Congresswoman Tammy
Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the bill, H. Res. 1273.
"The special history of the Hmong and Lao veterans of the U.S. Secret War
in Laos is important to understand; and it is important to honor those who
served so honorably during this conflict," said Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt,
Hmong and Lao scholar and author of Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, the Americans
and the Secret Wars for Laos (Indiana University Press) at Lao veterans
ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery in May, 2007.
http://www.tragicmountains.org
SOURCE Center for Public Policy Analysis
