Germany funds human rights project in Northern Thailand

[webfact]

Germany funds human rights project in Northern Thailand
The Nation



CHIANG MAI: -- The German government has awarded 70,000 euro (approximately Bt2.4 million) to the Thai non-profit organisation Trafcord to support their fight against human trafficking.

The cheque was awarded on April 13 in Chiang Mai by members of the German Parliament and the Human Rights Committee, Frank Heinrich and Jürgen Klimke.

The project is built upon five pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy. Providing knowledge and information on human trafficking and children rights aims to prevent target groups from falling victim to brokers.

Raising awareness for this subject is part of the key strategy. Including provide the assistance to victim of human trafficking according to victim protection process.

The Anti-Trafficking Coordination Unit Northern Thailand (Trafcord) was founded in 2002 in order to prevent and combat human trafficking in Northern Thailand and the adjoining countries Laos and Myanmar.

In terms of protection, it investigates reports of human trafficking, rescues victims with the help of governmental agencies and encourages their recovery.

It also sup-ports abused and exploited children by arranging workshops and music therapy, trying to aid their way back to a normal life. Lastly, it pursues prosecution of trafficking agents, which includes gathering evidence and legal counselling.

Moreover the NGO seeks to strengthen partnerships with Thai government agencies and other NGOs in order to build an effective network against human trafficking.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Germany-funds-human-rights-project-in-Northern-Tha-30258166.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-17

[maximillian]

Best news about my government since Mrs.Merkel is Chanceler.

Money is well spent if only one soul will be saved.

Well done.

[kalbz]

From what i have learned about NGO's is very little money goes to the cause. They are just bureaucratic businesses who pull on the heart strings to make more money. They may have begun with good intentions but the money soon corrupts.

[Puwa]

From what i have learned about NGO's is very little money goes to the cause. They are just bureaucratic businesses who pull on the heart strings to make more money. They may have begun with good intentions but the money soon corrupts.

That's like saying, "From what I've learned about businesses, they are greedy, corrupt, exploitative, selfish and destructive." Such a statement may describe some, but certainly doesn't describe all. So here we have a news item about a joint effort to combat human trafficking, which remains a real and serious problem in Thailand, and all you can do is ejaculate an ill-informed, mean-spirited mini-rant. What an asset to the community you are.

[kalbz]

Hey Puwa, I hope you have done your time working with NGO's, because i certainly have. I was a activist for the environment & human rights, after 10 years i saw way too much corruption, propaganda, false statistics, & down right lies. As i said, very little goes to the cause. So i suggest you join some organisations to get some experience rather than have a naive rant. You have a lot to learn about the real world.

[mike324]

From what i have learned about NGO's is very little money goes to the cause. They are just bureaucratic businesses who pull on the heart strings to make more money. They may have begun with good intentions but the money soon corrupts.

You can't just paint all NGO with one brush, these NGO located in less develop countries are mostly very small with a handful of staff and most are dedicated to what they do or else they wouldn't want to live in the sticks. Unlike big organizations like YMCA which have turn into a money making machine.

[Puwa]

My naive rant is based on 25 years with grassroots organization in Asia.

[kalbz]

My naive rant is based on 25 years with grassroots organization in Asia.

Considering your previous insulting and idiotic rant, i wouldn't believe a word you say. I guess your just an armchair troll.

[Puwa]

My naive rant is based on 25 years with grassroots organization in Asia.

Considering your previous insulting and idiotic rant, i wouldn't believe a word you say. I guess your just an armchair troll.

You are of course free to guess what you like, a right you exercised in your first post. Three times now when confronted with information you don't seem to like-- in the OP, in my reply to yours, and when I replied again-- you responded with a kind of high-handed ignorance. You exercised your right to guess, guessing wrong in each case. Please note that I didn't doubt or question your own experience, I simply pointed out that it is unfair and unkind to tar all NGOs with a single nasty brushstroke. Let's put this argument to rest and let others read the news without further distraction. Good evening.

[mamborobert]

I HAVE worked with Trafcord through the IOM. It has been a leading agency in this part of the world for at least a decade that I know off. Whilst this money is mentioned it should also be noted that the U.S. And German embassies have been significant contributors for many years, as well as ad hoc funding from UNICEF.

It is an NGO and non profit......and to get the sustained funding they have they need good accounting, specific projects, and measurable results.

I cannot think of a comparable organisation with a focus on the Chiang Mai area specifically, coupled with education and preventative works along the Burmese/Chinese/Lao borders.

Maximillian should note that the German embassy itself does a lot of good work here, Trafcord included.

As for Kalbz...how about doing a bit of research on THIS organisation and THIS funding and provide specific examples of misuse. You will find it a lot harder than asinine posts on TV. Step up or FO as uninformed posts stop donations to vulnerable people's.

[connda]

From what i have learned about NGO's is very little money goes to the cause. They are just bureaucratic businesses who pull on the heart strings to make more money. They may have begun with good intentions but the money soon corrupts.

That's like saying, "From what I've learned about businesses, they are greedy, corrupt, exploitative, selfish and destructive." Such a statement may describe some, but certainly doesn't describe all. So here we have a news item about a joint effort to combat human trafficking, which remains a real and serious problem in Thailand, and all you can do is ejaculate an ill-informed, mean-spirited mini-rant. What an asset to the community you are.

That's like saying, "From what I've learned about businesses, they are greedy, corrupt, exploitative, selfish and destructive." But kalbz did not say that.

He said, "They are just bureaucratic businesses who pull on the heart strings to make more money."

Anyway, a picture is worth a 1000 words. Ask your favorite charities, NGO, etc for a detailed current financial statements. If you can't get one, then the lack of transparency speaks volumes. I you can get one, scrutinize it! If the majority of contributions aren't being spent on whatever is stated in their mission statement, walk away. It's a scam that is legally allow by the authorities. Sorry, but until I know otherwise, I'm always skeptical. I've got to agree with kalbz's statement (not rant).

Edited April 18, 2015 by connda

[Mapguy]

Hey Puwa, I hope you have done your time working with NGO's, because i certainly have. I was a activist for the environment & human rights, after 10 years i saw way too much corruption, propaganda, false statistics, & down right lies. As i said, very little goes to the cause. So i suggest you join some organisations to get some experience rather than have a naive rant. You have a lot to learn about the real world.

Sorry, also familiar with NOGs, I still agree with Puwa. Ten years? You certainly must not have been discriminating!

[NancyL]

While there undoubtedly are NGOs that fit the description given by Kalbz, he is very out-of-line to paint all NGOs with the same brush, especially one with this history. In a country like Germany, with a free press, do you really think a corrupt NGO is going to receive the support of the German Embassy and Parliament?

Edited April 19, 2015 by NancyL