The UN refugee agency has joined hands with the Sheikhul Islam Office to urge Muslims in Thailand to lend a helping hand to refugees during Ramadan, which begins next week.
With the current refugee crisis worldwide at its most critical point, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Sheikhul Islam Office, also known as the Office of the Chularatchamontri, have asked Muslim communities nationwide to join hands in providing help to refugees escaping war and persecution, particularly the Rohingya people in the region.
Statistics from the UNHCR suggest there are currently 65.6 million refugees worldwide, roughly equal to the population of Thailand. A large majority are Muslims displaced from ongoing political and religious conflicts.
"In August last year, over 600,000 Rohingya refugees were displaced and forced to leave their homes. This year we have seen around 200,000 (more), which means the UNHCR's protection efforts cover around 800,000 refugees in the region," says Arunee Achakulwisut, Associate Private Sector Partnerships Officer of the UNHCR.
"Natural disasters have plagued our relief efforts as many settlements have been dismantled or destroyed. Torrential rain will continue to hit the refugee camps, and the UNHCR needs to gather around $150 million (about 4.8 billion baht) to continue providing care. Currently we have only acquired 14% of this target," Ms Arunee said.
Chairman of the Council for Humanitarian Networking of the Sheikhul Islam Office, Wisoot Binlateh, said that the annual Ramadan ritual where Muslims fast for 12 hours a day is an opportunity for those living well to reflect and experience the lives of those disadvantaged and struggling.
"The hunger that we feel during Ramadan is the real-life struggle of those who are in need. However, our religion does not exclusively teach Muslims to help one another, but rather to help all human beings who are in need," Mr Wisoot said.
"Thailand handles around 200 Rohingya and Uighur refugees, but their existence and identity is under shadow. I hope the government focuses more on human rights rather than the benefits of particular decisions. The 'Land of Smiles' was always known for giving shelter to those in need and I hope it continues in that direction," Mr Wisoot said.
Praya Lundberg, UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador, has first-hand experience with refugees from both Syria and Myanmar. She expressed concern that the internally displaced are waking up to the uncertainty of everyday life. "I have witnessed refugees who have lost every part of their basic human rights. We come from different races, colours and religions but our basic needs are the same," Ms Praya said.
Those who wish to donate and support displaced refugees can transfer money to the Islamic Bank of Thailand account number 034-108-7440 under the name the Council for Humanitarian Networking for the Sheikhul Islam Office.