MRN Statement on the Impact of the U.S. Foreign Aid Suspension on Refugees in Thailand
Myanmar Response Network (MRN) expresses deep concern over the U.S. government’s Executive Orders suspending foreign aid and loans, which will have severe consequences for millions of people globally, including vulnerable populations in Thailand. MRN also urges the Thai government to take immediate action to address the impending humanitarian crisis.
For decades, U.S. foreign aid has been a lifeline for Myanmar refugees in Thailand, delivering crucial humanitarian assistance that provides access to life-saving services such as healthcare, education, and protection. One of its long-standing supports has been humanitarian aid for Myanmar refugees affected by the war in nine camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border. The immediate suspension of humanitarian aid has significantly impacted hundreds of thousands of refugees, both inside and outside the camps, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to risks of arrest, detention, and deportation. In particular, the suspension of healthcare and social support in the nine refugee camps has immediately affected approximately 70,000 refugees. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has also forced people to flee and seek protection in Thailand, leaving them in a state of limbo.
Without adequate funding, the situation in the refugee camps could quickly deteriorate, leading to chaos, instability, and serious public health and security risks. In past humanitarian crises, the lack of resources has resulted in severe overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks, which could further strain Thailand’s public health system and border security. Beyond the camps, Myanmar refugees who fled after the 2021 coup remain in an extremely precarious situation. Many are undocumented and face heightened risks of exploitation, arrest, and deportation. The aid suspension will further limit their access to essential services, forcing them into even more desperate conditions.
In order to ensure that basic human rights are protected, MRN would like to call on the Thai government to:
1️. Engage in high-level diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. government and international stakeholders to explore interim funding solutions and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid. The meeting should prioritize collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring that the basic human rights of vulnerable groups, particularly refugees and displaced persons, are not compromised. This dialogue should focus on securing alternative funding sources, establishing mechanisms for continued humanitarian assistance, and ensuring that essential services, such as healthcare and social support, are maintained.
2️. Collaborate with other foreign aid donor countries and international organizations to find ways to address the immediate humanitarian crisis caused by the suspension of aid. This collaboration should focus on creating a coordinated international response that ensures the continued provision of critical support, including healthcare, education, and protection services, to those affected by the crisis.
3️. Ensure that life-saving programs continue for Myanmar refugees and displaced persons. The Thai government should work closely with humanitarian organizations to prevent disruptions to essential services and avoid severe humanitarian consequences. Programs providing food, medical care, and shelter must be safeguarded to prevent further suffering and displacement.
At this critical moment, urgent action is needed to prevent further humanitarian suffering. MRN urges the Thai government and the international community to work together in upholding the rights and dignity of refugees and displaced persons. Ensuring continued humanitarian assistance is not just a moral imperative but a necessary step toward stability and resilience for those affected. MRN remains committed to supporting collaborative efforts that prioritize protection, dignity, and long-term solutions for vulnerable communities in Thailand.
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