Hannah Chowdhry, a dedicated student lawyer with a passion for humanitarian work, recently participated in a ‘Go Abroad’ volunteering program with Aberdeen University in Thailand. Based in Chiang Mai, she volunteered at an elephant sanctuary and a summer activity program for children, engaging them through various activities and teaching English. This rewarding experience was made possible through the generous support of the Chuffed campaign organized by the Go Abroad Team, for which Hannah is deeply grateful, especially to donors who support BACA and donated to the Go Abroad Chuffed fund.
In addition to her volunteer work in Chiang Mai, Hannah spent three days in Bangkok, where she extended her efforts to support Pakistani Christian families fleeing persecution. These families are stranded in Thailand as they await asylum opportunities in third countries, as Thailand has not ratified UN Conventions for asylum and therefore does not offer asylum protections.
As a volunteer with the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), Hannah’s visit focused on understanding the unique challenges faced by women among these asylum-seeking families. During her interactions, the women shared several pressing issues:
- Lack of Access to Basic Necessities: Many women struggle to obtain essential items like baby formula, which is crucial for the health and well-being of their infants. This shortage is exacerbated by the financial constraints faced by families who are unable to work legally.
- Harassment and Safety Concerns: The women also reported frequent harassment of young girls, especially in a city known for its high levels of promiscuity. This creates an environment of fear and vulnerability for families trying to protect their children from exploitation.
- Barriers to Education: Due to their status as asylum seekers, these families are considered illegal in Thailand, which severely limits access to education for their children. Most are too afraid to send their children to schools run by charities, fearing arrest and detention by local authorities.
During her visit, Hannah provided each woman with a gift of 1000 baht (£25) to help meet their immediate household needs. Her efforts reflect her deep commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and her aspiration to pursue a career in humanitarian work.
Hannah’s work highlights the urgent need for international support for asylum seekers in countries that do not provide formal asylum protections. The struggles of these families underscore the critical importance of continued advocacy and support for those in crisis.
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is committed to supporting 10 families each month with a 1,000 baht donation to help alleviate their immediate struggles. However, the need is far greater, especially for women requiring essential items like sanitary pads, baby care products, and children’s support. We aim to establish a dedicated fund to expand this support, but we need more regular donors to assist the thousands of stranded asylum seekers in Thailand. Your contribution can make a significant difference. To donate and join our growing community of regular and one-time supporters, please click (here). Together, we can provide critical aid to those in desperate need.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“Women asylum seekers in Thailand face unimaginable hardships, with no access to official support or aid. They are forced to survive on the limited earnings of their husbands, who are often working illegally under dangerous conditions,” said Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many children losing out on education because the Thai government refuses to help, and the support from UNHCR is minimal. These families are relying heavily on the efforts of various charities, but it’s still not enough. We must do more to ensure these families have a chance at a brighter future and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
