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The ICRC regional delegation in Bangkok
01-07-2011 Overview
The ICRC first established a presence in Bangkok in 1975 to support its operation in Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam. Nowadays its work in the region involves different projects and activities to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable groups, including disabled people and minorities. It also concentrates on promoting IHL and supporting National Societies.
In Thailand, the ICRC has been visiting people arrested and detained in relation with the situation in the South of the country since 2004, when the government accepted the organization’s offer in that regard. The ICRC carries such visits worldwide to assess the conditions of detention and the treatment of detainees. It then discusses its findings and proposals in a confidential manner with the authorities concerned.
On the Thai-Myanmar border, the ICRC monitors the situation of civilians seeking refuge in Thailand and the effects of the armed conflict and violence in Myanmar. Regular contacts with leaders of groups from Myanmar and the Thai authorities enable the ICRC to remind them of its mandate and promote respect for humanitarian values and IHL.
The organization pays for the surgical treatment in Thai hospitals of people with weapon-related injuries who cannot be treated in Myanmar.
In Cambodia, the ICRC visits detainees with the aim of assessing their treatment and living conditions. At the same time, to help resolve persistent structural problems, it works closely with the detaining authorities to build on their capacities in prison management so as to improve the general living conditions in the prisons.
The organization assists centres in Cambodia and Vietnam to provide physiotherapy and produce prostheses, orthoses, crutches and wheelchairs, to help physically disabled people regain some mobility and economic and social independence.
Working in partnership with Lao Red Cross, the ICRC carries out water and habitat projects to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups resettled in the Lao PDR.
The region’s armed forces receive support in advancing the integration of IHL into their doctrine, training and operating procedures. The ratification of humanitarian treaties and the national implementation of IHL by the region’s governments are also promoted.
National Societies in the region are supported by the ICRC to increase their operational capacity to carry out humanitarian activities, especially in emergency situations caused by violence and/or natural disasters, in the core fields of restoring family links and in promoting IHL. In Cambodia and Vietnam, it also strives to improve capacities in reducing the impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
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