The repatriation predicament of Burmese refugees in Thailand: a preliminary analysis

The starting point to address the refugee predicament in Thailand is ultimately located within Burma, but the substantive issue remains that Thailand is actively contemplating a future policy for repatriation. This paper provides an overview of the political complexities of the repatriation issue and a consideration of the pre-conditions for human security, which are necessary before a future repatriation is possible. It investigates the key elements of the repatriation question in view of international protection principles and the wider political setting in which the issue is situated, involving the host country, country of origin, UNHCR, and the refugees’ representatives.