THAILAND. The Moodie Davitt Report was proud to introduce The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a charity partner to this year’s FAB Conference in Bangkok.
The Thai branch of the global organisation is dedicated to protecting human rights and building a better future for refugees and displaced, stateless people who are unable to find work due to a lack of proper birth registration or proof of nationality.
FAB delegates and speakers were able to chat to a team of young representatives from the agency about how they and their businesses can support the cause, financially or otherwise.
The instantly recognisable logo of The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees which depicts hands forming a protective shelter over a person in need ©UNHCR
They also took the chance to write postcards of hope to those in crisis, with a special focus on children. These will form part of a movement with other global UNHCR agencies to send messages to refugees around the world by 2024, showing them that others stand with them. Since the start of the year, the UNHCR team has been collecting postcards from events across Thailand, including at the FAB + Hospitality Conference and Awards. These will be sent to nine refugee camps along the Thai border.
The smile says it all – this young girl living in a Thai refugee camp receives a message of hope ©UNHCR
Delegates were also charmed by beautifully hand-sewn toys, key rings and brooches, made by refugees in local camps. The crafts programme is designed to offer a creative outlet and a sense of optimistic purpose to the displaced and to reduce stress.
Children learn from their elders at a UNHCR crafts session ©UNHCR
An enthusiastic team of UNHCR workers greeted delegates over two days at the FAB 2023 Conference and Awards in Bangkok
tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-founder Sossina Shenkute wanted to hear more about the great work of UNHCR
Former TRG Head of Concessions, and now industry consultant, Dave Wells pledges his support
UNHCR Thailand Event Coordinator and People Development Boonlerd Boonyathai said: “We deeply appreciate your kind support for our UNHCR Sustainable Development Goals at the Airport Food & Beverage and Hospitality Conference & Awards. Your team are very kind people who created a wonderful conference.
“Without help like yours, the UNHCR will not be able to achieve its aim of raising awareness of refugees in crisis. Your goodwill postcards will be sent to refugees around the world by the new year and joining The Moodie Davitt Report was our pleasure.”
Postcards of hope from FAB delegates and other UNHCR events around Thailand mean so much to the delighted recipients ©UNHCR 2023
Thailand hosts more than 91,000 refugees from Myanmar in nine temporary shelters run by The Royal Thai Government on the Thai/Myanmar border, approximately 5,000 urban refugees and asylum seekers from over 40 countries, and some 480,000 stateless persons.
UNHCR’s Thai interventions focus primarily on protection and solutions, with material assistance provided by NGOs and generous donations from individuals.
Since 1950, UNHCR has faced multiple crises on various continents and provided vital assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have nobody else to turn to. You can learn more about its work and how to donate HERE. ✈️
Made with love by refugees, beautifully hand-embroidered butterflies represent freedom ahead ©UNHCR
