Refugees Flee Flames

As of December 2013, Thailand has had 646,770 incoming refugees, mostly from Myanmar, to which the Thai government responded by setting up nine camps on their border for temporary shelter. The United Nations reports that “with possible reduction in humanitarian assistance, the protection risks of economically vulnerable refugees who might resort to negative coping mechanisms for survival will represent an additional challenge…”

Before 2013 came to a close, one last tragedy hit the Thai people on December 27. Fires in two of the refugee camps on the Burmese border left the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to respond to the disaster, which caused approximately 600 people to become homeless. So far only one death has been reported, but 600 people are still left without homes.

The director of IRC programs in Thailand explains “This is a sad reminder of the refugee’s vulnerable living conditions. Families lost all of their possessions in a matter of minutes.” What would you do if you saw your possessions being turned to ashes? The people of Thailand also did not know what to do.

The IRC has since stepped in to provide health care, water and other services to all nine of the refugee camps, not only the two affected by the fire. Unfortunately, the Thai people did not expect anything less than a tragic end to 2013, but are thankful for the various health teams visiting the displaced families for counseling.

UNHCR explains that the refugees in Thailand have been fleeing conflict and crossing Myanmar’s eastern border jungles for safety for 30 years. Moreover, the IRC began working in Thailand in 1976, in response to the influx of refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

As it stands, the IRC has, for a while, been responsible for aiding 140,000 refugees in Thailand, responding to emergencies by providing urgent health care and supplies. Additionally, IRC provides legal counseling, emotional support and even assistance for refugees seeking admission to the United States.

– Lindsey Lerner

Sources: The UN Refugee Agency, International Rescue Committee
Photo: The Guardian

Top 10 Sites for Finding Advocacy Internships

The Borgen Project’s national internships are listed here, but below are 10 other sites for advocacy internships.

1. Amnesty International 

Amnesty International accepts rising college juniors and above for fall, spring, or summer programs. The internships are located in New York City, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta.  There are a multitude of issues these internships address, including women’s advocacy, government relations, country-specific groups, and refugee/migrant rights.

2. ONE

ONE offers many options for interns.  Interns can work at local offices in New York City or D.C. or organize on college campuses.  Office duties include fact-checking, event preparation, database management, and other administrative activities.  Internships on campus involve field organizing and advocacy.

3. Results

Results deals with ending global poverty.  This campaign offers internships for development projects, global healthcare projects, office work, and legislation research.

4. Bread for the World

Bread for the World is a D.C.-based nonprofit that focuses on domestic and international hunger.  The program works to change policies and conditions that perpetuate poverty. Interns attend hearings on Capitol Hill, organize local chapters and campus groups, organize conferences and conduct fieldwork.

5. Center for American Progress

American Progress is a non-partisan organization working to improve the lives of Americans through progressive action.  Internship positions include communications, domestic policy energy opportunity, external affairs, economic policy, immigration, national security and many other programs.

6. Institute for Policy Studies

IPS interns will learn about corporate accountability, tax policy, women’s studies, economic policy, and more. Most internships are located at the D.C. office and monetary compensation varies.

7. Fourth World

Fourth World’s interns will live together in program centers across the U.S.  Responsibilities will focus on community activism, research, administrative assistance, and minor construction projects.  The internship includes an opportunity to join the team for two years at the end of the program.

8. Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation offers internships in the summer to qualified students seeking experience in nonprofit foundations.  Departments include financial services, information technology, human resources, economic opportunity and access, democracy, rights, and justice and communication.

9. UNICEF

UNICEF interns work out of the New York City headquarters.  Duties include fundraising, communications, marketing, research, administration, and more.  Internships are offered on a space-available basis.

10. International Rescue Committee

Internship opportunities include child protection, women’s empowerment, rule of law coordinator(s), Syria response director(s), and more. Internships take place in the U.S. and abroad.

– Stephanie Lamm

Sources: Barnard, UNICEF USA, Rescue, AFSC, Ford Foundation, ATD Fourth World, Results, American Progress, Bread, Heifer, ONE
Photo: Twisted Sifter