ISSUES CONCERNING REFUGEE WOMEN DETAINED IN IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTERS: A CASE STUDY OF THE SADAO IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTER, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Abstract

The research aims to study the challenges in protecting refugee women at the Sadao Immigration Detention Center (IDC), Songkhla, evaluating compliance with international legal standards. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes secondary data analysis from international and state reports, alongside in-depth interviews with experts and NGOs. The findings reveal three critical issues as follows: 1) Substandard living conditions, characterized by severe overcrowding, lack of privacy, and insufficient gender-specific amenities; 2) A heightened risk of Gender-Based Violence resulting from inadequate gender segregation and surveillance mechanisms; and 3) The absence of access to legal aid and systematic screening, leading to the classification of refugees strictly as "illegal immigrants." These conditions underscore significant gaps in fulfilling international obligations, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the principle of non-refoulement. This research has a suggestion as follows: policy level, as a National Screening Mechanism amends to the Immigration Act; and operational level, focusing on improving living conditions, Gender-Based Violence prevention, and staff training.