This campaign has now closed
This project provides advice, counselling, access to medical care and help with finding safe accommodation in Thailand for Burmese nationals escaping persecution in their home country.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
The Burmese military government brutally broke up largely peaceful demonstrations in the major cities of Burma during late 2007. Hundreds of Monks and other citizens were arrested, many of whom, a year on, are still in prison. Thousands more Monks and other citizens fled Burma to neighbouring Thailand. The Cyclone in 2008 caused tremendous devastation across wide areas of Burma. This has led to even more Burmese fleeing their homeland to seek food and shelter in Thailand. The main entry point into Thailand for those fleeing Burma is the town of Mae Sot. Here IRT works with a local partner organisation to provide an information and counselling service for newly arrived refugees. The project provides advice, counselling, access to medical care and help with finding safe accommodation. This is the only place for refugees to go for support and assistance when arriving in Mae Sot. The project works closely in partnership with two Burmese community based organisations in Mae Sot. Both organisations run community shelters and IRT provides them with financial support to maintain the shelters and for food and clothes for the new arrivals that have been referred there. The need for the project continues to grow as more and more Burmese continue to flee to Thailand. Almost 800 clients used the service last year and this number is set to increase by at least 50% in 2008. Budget (for one year) Counselling Programme - £15,934 (This includes the cost of a Translator, Social Worker, medical fees and transport costs to clinic, office supplies, and telephone. Support to two Community Shelters for Accommodation - £ 8,542 (this includes, food, building maintenance and clothing)