Funds to rebuild camp urgently needed
The emergency aid that has been provided to survivors of the Ban Mae Surin refugee-camp fire in Mae Hong Son is enough for the time being as humanitarian agencies are stepping in to help at the recovery stage. They are also calling on Thai authorities to
Sally Thompson, executive director of The Border Consortium (TBC), said emergency goods, such as food and temporary shelter, were sufficient for now and what was needed most was funding to rebuild the ravaged camp in Khun Yuam district.
Thompson and colleagues from other non-governmental organisations working
at the camp told a press conference yesterday that they were discussing the situation and looking for ways to help the refugees recover.
They said the Interior Ministry should create a recovery and rebuilding plan in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and NGOs, along with the participation of refugees themselves. This way they can create safer housing and also teach them to live in a more sustainable manner.
Roisai Wongsuban, the advocacy coordinator of IRC, said relevant agencies should speak to the refugees and find out what they need so they can provide measures that will suit their needs. Also, the government should to provide the refugees more resources by giving them an opportunity to earn a living.
