On Monday 20 April in Bangkok, the European Union formalised the launch of a €15 million programme to help displaced people from Myanmar become self-sufficient in Thailand. The agreement was signed by Luisa Ragher, EU Ambassador to Thailand, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Rescue Committee and the public agency Expertise France. It aims to establish “sustainable and locally anchored solutions” and greater socio-economic inclusion in order to go beyond traditional humanitarian aid.
The project will benefit the 80,000 residents of nine border camps and migrants in Tak province. It has three pillars: €10.5 million for access to employment, €2.5 million for child protection and €2 million for health. This initiative supports Thailand’s new policy authorising access to legal work for long-settled Burmese populations.
“Our partnership seeks to ensure that refugees are not only protected, but also empowered to become self-reliant and active contributors to society”, explained Ms Ragher. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)