The government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva largely failed to fulfill its pledges to make human rights a priority.

Australia has a good track record of principled diplomacy and implementing targeted sanctions against abusive military governments in Burma and Fiji. Yet it's relatively easy for Australia to speak out about countries where it has few economic interests. It takes more courage and principle to turn up the heat on countries where it has significant economic and strategic interests.

Human Rights Watch joins with others to write to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva regarding the safety and security of over two million migrants from Burma, Cambodia and Laos currently working in Thailand.

A virus is sweeping Asia. The symptoms are heightened xenophobia and amnesia about fundamental refugee rights.

Bordered by authoritarian regimes, Thailand has long struggled to deal with waves of asylum seekers. But Bangkok's decision to repatriate ethnic Hmong to Laos this week stands as a blot on the nation's reputation as a humane port of refuge.

Migrants drowning at sea after being turned away from shore. Children detained with adults and at risk of physical and sexual abuse. Workers cheated out of wages and confined to their workplace. Authorities extorting bribes. Governments denying health care benefits to those who might most need it.

Many governments’ policies toward migrants worldwide expose them to human rights abuses including labor exploitation, inadequate access to health care, and prolonged detention in poor, overcrowded conditions.