For Immediate Release                     News Release

World Hmong People’s Congress and Hmong ChaoFa State of Northern Laos to attend the sixth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York from May 14- 24, 2007; to raise Hmong national security issues in Laos; and to co-sponsors an event to call for recognition of independence for the Hmong ChaoFa nation, people and State in Laos

(New York, May 11, 2007) – The Hmong ChaoFa nation is to address the rights to ancestral land, territories and natural resources and appeal for international protection from persecution and genocide of the Hmong ChaoFa Indigenous nation and people during the sixth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.  In addition, the World Hmong People’s Congress and Hmong ChaoFa State to co-sponsors a separate event to discuss and call for the recognition of independence for the Hmong ChaoFa State in Laos.

The Hmong ChaoFa Indigenous people have long experienced egregious violations of human rights; persistent societal and racial discriminations; and many grave injustices done without accountability.  Lao PDR commonly committed sex and war crimes and massacre on Hmong Indigenous women and girls. Lao PDR continued to used starvation as a weapons of war against Hmong ChaoFa people and denied international access into Hmong ChaoFa territories.

Despite Laos is State Party to many important International Conventions, Laos has failed to honor its international obligations. Namely, are the main international humanitarian law treaties (the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977) ratified in 1956, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) ratified in 1974 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) ratified in 1991.

In the spirit of friendly relations among nations, peoples and States, the Hmong ChaoFa nation, people, State and leaders – Mr. Yang Lue, Mr. Her Mai and Mr. Chong Lor Her – calls for international recognition for a Hmong sovereign nation, people and State in northern Laos. The Hmong ChaoFa nation, people and State shall acquire the right to govern over its lands, territories and natural resources.

The event in discussion is open to invited participants only: International and Indigenous NGOs, Distinguished Guests, Permanent Mission, Press and Media, and others.

Location: 777 United Nations Plaza, Date: May 18, 2007, Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Contact information:    Tel: (212) 223-5486        Fax: (212) 223-5843    

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