By Joy Hancock
The problems of Pakistani Christians seeking asylum in Thailand stem partly from the fact that Thailand has not signed United Nations Convention on Human Rights 1951 (UNCHR) regarding the status of asylum seekers and refugees. click here All refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including Pakistani Christians, are therefore considered to be illegal immigrants and risk deportation if caught. 400 Pakistani Christian refugees, including children, were arrested in Bangkok in March 2015. click here
They were Christian converts who had fled Pakistan following threats of death, with hopes of being granted asylum or a chance to settle in other countries via the UNCHR. Several of those arrested had UNCHR interviews scheduled, but as this does not carry any weight with Thai authorities, deportation or removal to a detention centre is likely.
Along with refugees from other countries, and despite the risks, many Pakistani Christians live illegally in the back streets of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. They have no work, no rights, and no security. Their children have no schooling.
The Jesuits and other local Christians have helped them as much as they are able but their resources are limited. The Jesuits, who have been working with refugees for 11 years, admit that their help is only a drop in the ocean. The female refugees cower indoors, afraid to go out onto the streets even to shop for food as they fear being attacked or taken to prison. Bangkok is a tourist magnet for thousands but, there is a darker side to the city, which the tourists never see. Even those who are recognised as refugees by the UNCHR, receive neither financial help nor a right of asylum from the Thai authorities. At the end of 2014 there were 10,000 refugees in Bangkok compared with just 2,000 in 2012. It is thought that Thailand fears granting asylum to refugees will result in a deluge of claimants.
The BPCA is anxious to help and our Chairman, Wilson Chowdhry is to visit Thailand on Friday 8th May. He will spend time with the churches who are aiding and sheltering persecuted Pak-Christians, and meet with these brothers and sisters to ascertain what we can best do to assist them. Help us to help our suffering church family. We aim to raise £10,000 to provide, food, medicines and clothing to reach as many of these victims as possible. At present we are way off our target as only £338 has been received and the need is urgent.
Wil you help these frightened and suffering persecuted brothers and sisters?
If you are moved to assist us in our outreach please donate now using these bank details:
Sort Code: 20-67-90
Account number: 63468976
Bank: Barclays
Ref: Love for Pak-Christians in Thailand
Alternatively please use the PayPal facility on the top right hand corner of our blog, our PayPal email address is info@britishpakistanichristians.co.uk.
Any cheques should be made payable for the BPCA to our address: 57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.
With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Christians in Pakistan.