In August, we Alliance Anti Trafic (AAT) have been actively engaged in a series of impactful activities and initiatives across the regions. From taking part in the UN-Civil Society Dialogue and the 4th National Health Conference in Thailand, to launching vital crowdfunding projects for displaced people from Myanmar, our efforts continue to create meaningful changes. Meanwhile, we’re also thrilled to share some exciting updates from our program in Vietnam.
Please keep reading to learn more about our latest achievements and ongoing projects! 💫
1. United Nations-Civil Society Dialogue
On August 14, 2024, Alliance Anti Trafic participated in the UN-Civil Society Dialogue on ‘Summit of the Future: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow‘ at the United Nations Conference Center in Thailand. Following opening remarks by Ms. Geraldine Ansart, Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN in Thailand, and Mr. Phuchphop Mongkolnavin, Deputy Director-General of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attendees discussed the upcoming September summit and its key chapters.
We AAT contributed to the “Peace and Security” discussions, aligning with our mission to combat gender-based violence, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation, while promoting equality and women’s empowerment. 🌏✨
2. The 4th National Health Conference in Thailand
At the 4th National Health Conference held from August 14-16, 2024, we Alliance Anti Trafic, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Friends of Women Foundation, played a pivotal role in organizing a specialized exchange meeting focused on the sexual health effects of girls and young women involved in prostitution. 💪
This session, titled “The Impact of the Sexual Service Trade on Girls and Sexual Health,” brought together experts and other notable NGO leaders to discuss critical issues related to gender, health, and exploitation. With the forthcoming legal changes to Thailand Anti Prostitution Act, We Alliance Anti Trafic, brought up our first-hand information from 20 years of experiences in the field, and contributed to an in-depth brainstorming session aimed at driving actionable insights to improve sexual health initiatives at the national level.
3. Support Loans – Where Dreams Bloom 🌻
In Vietnam, many disadvantaged families need to rely on informal financial services to borrow money for their living. However, these informal services usually come with high interest rates, causing more financial challenges to these families, and especially making the mothers and children in these families more prone to human trafficking, prostitution, and child marriage.
Therefore, we Alliance Anti Trafic have initiated and carried out the “Where Dreams Bloom” project since 2015, which provides interest-free loans to mothers, enabling them to invest in their small businesses and improve their family’s financial situation. For girls who need to continue their school, the project support their tuition fees, health insurance, uniforms, stationery and so on. AAT staff also regularly monitor and advise children and their families to achieve their following goals in life.
Recently, we welcomed Hydrangea’s mother into the program. As a single mother of five children, she faces immense financial pressure while raising her two youngest children in a small rented space. The main source of her income comes from a small street-side beverage stall. To secure additional capital for the stall and improve their financial situation, she reached out to us and applied for our program.
Currently, the interest-free loan support from our program aims to strengthen her family’s livelihood. It will not only help her expand the stall but also contribute to stabilizing the family’s livelihood and paving the way for a more sustainable future. “Where Dreams Bloom” is committed to continuing its support for families in the community, helping them overcome difficulties and move towards a better life.
4. Myanmar Emergency Fund 🚨 Crisis in Myanmar 🚨
Following the breakdown of ceasefire agreements, a launch of new military offensives, and rising ethnic tensions since October 2023, the violence in Shan State is now reaching an unprecedented level. Countless families are displaced and face life-threatening danger, including violence, hunger, injury, disease, and even death. Troops had cut off roads and destroyed bridges, hindering refuge and emergency aid delivery. Without immediate intervention, numerous lives of innocent people are at grave risk.
Due to years of ongoing civil wars, many NGOs have left the country and little global attention is paid. However, with a strong network with local temples and resilient volunteers, we AAT are still working on helping people there.
AAT’s 10-year standing connections in Shan State, with monks and volunteers in most conflict areas, enable us to deliver emergency aid to Buddhist temples, which are now the only refuge for displaced people. Each temple shelters 400 to 2500 displaced people, among whom 50% are women, 30% are children, and many are pregnant women and mothers. We provide extra care for them, including hygiene products, milk, and maternal care items.
What AAT can offer:
- Emergency Supplies: Providing food, clean water, milk, and hygiene products to families in need.
- Critical Medical Care: Ensuring the injured and sick receive urgent healthcare.
- Protection for the vulnerable: Offering safety and hope to women and children fleeing violence.
How you can help:
🥛 $10 provides 12 bottles of milk for malnourished children.
💊 $25 delivers critical medical care.
🥫 $50 supplies of nutritious canned food and dry noodles for a family for a week.