AFECT

Being denied Thai citizenship life is incredibly difficult for hilltribe people. Without it they cannot buy land, gain meaningful employment or receive the free education and health care allowed to others. The HUMAN RIGHTS AND CITIZEN PROJECT lobbies for the children’s fundamental right of citizenship in the country of their birth, a basic right too often refused to the Akha people. The programme also acts as a mediator between the Thai government and Akha individuals through the complicated task of gaining citizenship. Since its inception 10 years ago AFECT has helped over 3000 hill tribe people gain citizenship and thus a better life.

The project also emphasizes activities that publicize knowledge concerning democratic law and promoting the Akha people’s right to a livelihood and land.

All children deserve the right of happiness, innocence and to grow up in safety. Regrettably, the hill tribes of Northern Thailand are areas where trafficking is an ever-present risk. AFECT is trying to combat human trafficking and the related labour/sexual exploitation amongst it's peoples. We are trying to establish an anti trafficking office on the Burmese Thai border and to create drama and educational dvd's in the Akha language to warn villagers of the dangers of migrating to the cities.