A workshop with students of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) in Chiang Rai, Thailand
On 30 November 2024, BEBESEA held a workshop on “Intersectional Human Rights Approach to Migrant Rights Protection” co-organised with and hosted by the School of Social Innovation and the Global Relations Division of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Twenty-six local and international students from the School of Social Innovation, the School of Health Science and the School of Agro-Industry of MFU participated in this workshop.
We were delighted to share our concerns on the rights of migrants or people on the move and current trends of migration in East and Southeast Asia, and to explain the complexities of migration issues and why different experiences of migrants are interrelated. We also highlighted the importance of cross-regional and intersectional approaches, through a presentation about our work and the screening of The City of Gold, a short film produced by Eze – a participant in 2023/24 BEBESEA X New Naratif Story Fellowship.
“I learned a lot from the activity. City of Gold, a short film, portrayed the journey of a migrant from Myanmar to Singapore to find work opportunities, and find the reason behind her grandmother’s death. Unfortunately, the work they found in practice was not what her and other migrants had hoped for, not the City of Gold they envisioned. (…) We were divided into two groups, focusing on policy and community development regarding human rights for migrant protection. (…) On the one hand, I raised the issue of human trafficking, where migrant were tricked into moving aboard, and then have their passports confiscated by their employers, forcing them into labour and restricting their rights. I also proposed solutions to tackle the problems. On the other hand, others suggested issues related to healthcare, culture, working environment, etc. This workshop enlightened me to a new perspective and possibilities regarding this issue.” – Mr. Rosalan Sankoh, a 3rd-year student from International Development programme, School of Social Innovation
As mentioned in the above testimony, the second half of the workshop was an interactive exercise, where students were divided into two groups sharing their thoughts and experiences, and collaborating on gathering and developing ideas on ways they can contribute to supporting migrants in their communities and in the policy-making process.
“Becoming a participant in the workshop “Intersectional Human Rights Approach to Migrant Rights Protection” was such a great experience for me. (…) We were divided into two groups, focusing on policy and community development regarding human rights for migrant protection. I chose to join the community group, and we had a discussion about the current issues, the causal agents, and the possible ways we can contribute to solving the problem. This was a new experience for someone who does not come from social science studies like me. I gained a lot of valuable lessons and it opened my eyes to take a look and care more about others who are striving for their human rights. Thank you to BEBESEA for sharing and caring.” – Mr. Muhammad Abidzar, an exchange student from Syiah Kuala University (B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology)
Chinag Rai, where MFU is located, is the northernmost province of Thailand sharing borders with Myanmar and Laos, and is home to many migrant communities. We were inspired by the students’ awareness of the issues faced by migrants, passions, and enthusiasm for working with and for migrants. We are grateful for the generous support of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, which made this workshop possible, and for MFU for hosting us. We look forward to further collaborations with the university and their students.
Read the report from MUF here – A Workshop on “Intersectional Human Rights Approach to Migrant Rights Protection” | Mae Fah Luang University
Read BEBESEA’s blog about Chiang Rai, Thailand here – Borders, Divisions and Mixed Migration: Complexity and Dynamics of Myanmar Migrants’ Lives in Chiang Rai, Thailand – By Mariko Hayashi | BEBESEA