An international disability and mine action NGO was forced to end its cash assistance and provision of assistive devices for refugees in Thailand due to U.S. aid cuts. Due to their immigration and disability status, many refugees are sidelined from formal labor economies and rely on direct assistance.
Date: 5/26
Region: East Asia & Pacific
Country: Thailand
Topic: Gender Equality & Inclusion, Economy & Livelihoods
Policy Lens: Moral Leadership
Entry Type: Human Impact
Additional Context: Humanity & Inclusion, or HI, assisted Burmese refugees in Thailand by providing rehabilitation services. Particularly important for refugees with disabilities, the program aimed to support those affected by explosive devices through social integration and mental health support, and to provide explosive ordnance risk education with local partners.
Devex Researcher Note: Refugees in Thailand are barred from working legally, moving freely, or accessing services in Thailand, leaving them largely dependent on foreign assistance. According to Human Rights Watch, or HRW, over 80% of refugee families had the cash assistance they depended on for survival cut, in addition to small business incentives and stipends from jobs with international organizations.
Source: Humanity & Inclusion