Thailand - The European Union (EU) and IOM today officially launched a project to support the well-being of Myanmar Muslims and their host communities in Thailand.

The four-year, EUR 2.83 million (USD 3.15 million) project, of which 90 percent is funded by the EU, is also supported by the US State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration (PRM).

Under the project, IOM will implement key water, sanitation and hygiene activities to address needs shared by marginalized Myanmar Muslims and vulnerable Thais in the provinces of Tak, Ranong and Phang Nga.

The project will also provide funds to local NGOs and community-based organizations to carry out vocational training, legal assistance and education and healthcare.

The activities were selected after an assessment found many Myanmar Muslims face insecure situations due to their irregular status and lack of documentation. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by high levels of poverty and an overall lack of access to livelihood opportunities.

The project launch today was attended by representatives from the Royal Thai Government, the EU Delegation to Thailand and the IOM Mission in Thailand.

“The EU is committed to continuing its support to improve the wellbeing of marginalized Myanmar Muslims and – equally importantly – disadvantaged Thais in host communities in the three provinces," said EU Head of Delegation Jesus Miguel Sanz.

Dana Graber Ladek, Chief of Mission of IOM Thailand, added: “Having laid the groundwork to decrease vulnerabilities and improve wellbeing, the timely contributions of the EU and US government will enable IOM to lead a partnerships-based intervention. Efforts to improve access to healthcare, education and legal aid will help improve the difficult situation faced by these vulnerable people.”

The project is a continuation and expansion of a previous programme jointly funded by the EU and the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection, which ran from 2013 to 2015 and assisted Myanmar Muslims in eight host communities in Mae Sot, Tak province.

Inter-communal conflicts in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine state, have led to an exodus of thousands of Myanmar Muslims to neighboring countries in the hopes of finding refuge. A significant number currently reside in local Thai communities in Phang Nga, Ranong and Tak Provinces.  

For further information please contact Dana Graber Ladek at IOM Thailand, Tel: +66 2 343 9301, Email: dgraber@iom.int