Where we work

Thailand

In Thailand, Diakonia supports a variety of local partner organisations with a special focus on human rights and the question of identity and citizenship. Specifically, the beneficiaries are ethnic minority groups in the north and refugees from Myanmar/Burma.

Diakonia has through cooperation with local organizations pushed forward the agenda of ethnic minorities and sustainable development. In cooperation with Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC), Diakonia provides food and shelter to around 150 000 refugees in camps in Thailand. Our cooperation with Upland Holistic Development Project (UHDP) has resulted in the development of technologies and methods on agriculture, which serve as important foundation for communities to rise above serious threats such as poverty, and lack of legal status, citizenship and land rights.

Lack of political influence

Other refugees in Thailand are Burmese migrant workers and, similarly to the ethnic minority groups, they live without citizenship and identity documents. Women are overrepresented in this group, and together with young girls, particularly at risk of sexual trafficking. Thailand has a population of 67,4 million people (2010), out of whom 950 000 belong to various ethnic minorities. These minorities lack political influence, are underrepresented in civil society and vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation, remaining acutely disadvantaged.

Provides legal support

Diakonia’s partner organisations assist migrants and ethnic minority groups to obtain legal identity documents. A large number of people have received Thai citizenship and partner organizations have establicshed the Tribal Human Right Protection Network that aims at raising awareness about, and protecting human rights and provide legal support to those subject of human rights violations.

Also, Diakonia supports human rights organisations along the Thailand Myanmar/Burma border involved in documentation of human rights violations.

Focus on democracy and human rights

The main thematic areas of Diakonia and our partner organizations' work are:

Democracy and good governance
Human rights
Gender equality
Social and economic justice, with emphasis on the participation of women and youth.

Diakonia’s focus on Thailand is a long-term commitment, with results focused on increasing people’s participation in democratic processes.

Photo by Stuart Corlett

In Thailand, the Diakonia partner organization New Life Center works with identity building. Photo: Stuart Corlett

A story of change from Thailand

For almost all of her life, Som from northern Thailand didn't have a legal identity and thus lacked many social rights. Now, thanks to Diakonia’s partner organisation New Life Center, the world is open to her. When Som received her citizenship, it changed her entire life. Now she can work legally, own property and land, and is protected by the Thai legal system.

Identity building and human rights in Thailand