Friendship and Assistance for Migrants (FAAM)

A joint project of ARF & AMAN Helping migrants, refugees and asylum seekers of all faiths.

ARF/AMAN has been assisting migrants and refugees for many years on an ad hoc basis. Upon review, the advisory team recommended a more comprehensive program of support. Therefore, the “Friendship and Assistance for Migrants” ( FAAM) project was launched.

FAAM Project Rationale:

It is our duty as human beings to save lives, protect those who are most vulnerable and assist them in seeking a better future to live with dignity. Asian religions and cultures aspire to extend assistance to those in need. For Muslims, there is a particular obligation to help those seeking safety, as the Prophet Mohammad was himself forced to flee Mecca to seek shelter in Medina.

According to The Quran “That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you.

And (it is) for the poor fugitives who have been driven out from their homes and their belongings, who seek bounty from Allah and help Allah and His messenger. - such are they who are successful”. (Quran 59:7-8)

Refugee Status

The United Nations 1951Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees defines a refugee as a person with “a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.”

The 1951 Convention also stipulates the rights of refugees and the legal obligations of nations towards refugees.

Difficulties Faced:

Historically, Thailand has been a generous host to thousands of refugees from across the region. But Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 convention on refugees and does not recognize the rights of refugees. Therefore, asylum seekers and refugees have access to few services and little protection in the country.

Refugees and migrants often encounter serious hardship, both in their countries of origin and when seeking asylum. They must support themselves and their families, although most are unable to work legally. Navigating the system of applying for refugee status can be complicated and stressful, and often there is little or no guidance. And they must live for months or years in this state of insecurity. This situation puts them at risk of exploitation, harassment, social isolation and arrest.

Many refugees have also been traumatized by experiences in their home countries, and the dangers and uncertainty of life as a refugee compound this suffering. Services available, such as medical, psychological and dental care, financial assistance and legal aid, are scarce.

Goals: To build awareness, mobilize support, offer friendship, solidarity and assistance to empower refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, allowing them to live with dignity and peace. FAAM provides assistance to all regardless of religion, ethnicity or nationality.

FAAM Offers:

1. Humanitarian assistance:

Mobilizing resources, helping migrants meet their basic needs: food, accommodation, safety and medical care.

2. Family visits and counseling:

Providing moral and emotional support to the migrants and their families and helping to address psychological issues.

3. Support networks:

Developing working relationships and networks in support of migrant’s needs such as legal aid and solidarity.

4. Children’s education:

Enabling migrant children to continue their education.

What can you do?

Donate money, food, clothing or household items

Volunteer your time

Contact ARF/AMAN for more information:

Phone: +66 2 913-0196

Email: aman@arf-asia.org

 

Advisory Team 

 

Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf 
Department of Philosophy and Religion, 
Assumption University, Thailand  

Ms. Noi Ton
Board member of ARF , Thailand 

 
Mr. Prasert Yupensuk 
Director, Sassanuppatham School, Thailand 

Mr. Michael N. Viroj
Finance Director, NCCM, Thailand 

Ms. Jennifer Westfall
USA  

Mr. Staffan Bodemar
Sweden  

Mr. Bob and Mrs. Nancy McFarland
 USA 

 

Contact Person:
Ms. Parepilas Ruathong 
Field officer 

Contact Address:
1562/113 Soi 1/1
Mooban Pibul, Pracharaj Road,
Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800 Thailand
Phone: +66 2 913-0196
Fax: +66 2 913-0197
E-mail: aman@arf-asia.org

www.arf-asia.org