ID :
169213
Fri, 03/18/2011 - 12:24
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/169213
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EU aids Myanmar refugees in Thailand
BANGKOK, March 18 (TNA) - The European Union (EU)’s humanitarian assistance for Myanmar nationals, both in Myanmar and in Thailand, will reach 30 million US dollars this year, with about 11 million US dollars to be allocated to those taking refuge in border camps in Thailand and some additional 19 million US dollars to be handed to vulnerable communities in Myanmar.
Speaking of the EU assistance, European Commissioner for Humanitarian International Cooperation and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgiva, who met Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya in Bangkok earlier this week, acknowledged that the European Commission is firmly committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the refugees from Myanmar and is expanding cooperation with Thailand in the area of disaster preparedness.
Georgiva said that the number one priority is in fact to ensure that the refugees have a pathway to be integrated into a workforce somewhere, whether in Thailand, in Myanmar or in a third country through a resettlement programme. She revealed that it has also been decided that the screening and registration program for the refugees, which determines their needs and status, be restarted.
Georgiva also visited the Mae Sot–Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand's northwestern region. Upon reviewing the conditions, the European Commission said she plans to gradually refocus the EU's assistance to camp residents from humanitarian relief toward more sustainable forms of support, such as vocational training, to ensure that the refugees get not only immediate support, but also a chance for a better future and greater self-reliance. (TNA)
Speaking of the EU assistance, European Commissioner for Humanitarian International Cooperation and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgiva, who met Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya in Bangkok earlier this week, acknowledged that the European Commission is firmly committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the refugees from Myanmar and is expanding cooperation with Thailand in the area of disaster preparedness.
Georgiva said that the number one priority is in fact to ensure that the refugees have a pathway to be integrated into a workforce somewhere, whether in Thailand, in Myanmar or in a third country through a resettlement programme. She revealed that it has also been decided that the screening and registration program for the refugees, which determines their needs and status, be restarted.
Georgiva also visited the Mae Sot–Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand's northwestern region. Upon reviewing the conditions, the European Commission said she plans to gradually refocus the EU's assistance to camp residents from humanitarian relief toward more sustainable forms of support, such as vocational training, to ensure that the refugees get not only immediate support, but also a chance for a better future and greater self-reliance. (TNA)
