People Serving People Foundation: Thailand
Founded in 1980 to rescue the Vietnamese boat people in the Gulf of Thailand, BPSOS has carried on its international operations for over four decades. Our implementing partner in Bangkok, Thailand, the People Serving People Foundation (PSPF), works closely with numerous international, regional, and national organizations to protect refugees, rescue human trafficking victims, promote religious freedom, and develop civil society.
Programs
We offer the below programs and services to support our community members with their needs and empower them in their everyday life.
Protecting Refugees
The Center for Asylum Protection (CAP), a project of PSPF established with the assistance of BPSOS, helps those fleeing to Thailand due to persecution back home to apply for refugee status with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), provides timely intervention for those at risk of arrest or repatriation, refers recognized refugees for priority resettlement, and advocates for pro-refugee policies in both first-asylum and resettlement countries.
Combatting Human Trafficking
Combatting Human Trafficking: Established in 2008 by BPSOS and several other human rights organizations, the Coalition to Abolish Modern-day Slavery in Asia (CAMSA) works with governments and NGOs to rescue trafficked victims in destination countries, assists rescued victims after repatriation, and breaks the labor trafficking syndicates that operate under the Vietnam’s state-run labor export program.
Strengthening Civil Society
Our Civil Society Development Initiative (CSDI) is another BPSOS initiative implemented through PSPF. CSDIempowers, organizes and equips persecuted and disadvantaged communities in Vietnam to defend their own rights and interests, ensure fair and due application of domestic laws, and increase government’s compliance with international human rights standards.
Promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB)
Promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB): Our Religious Freedom Project (RFP), whose activities in Thailand are conducted through our implanting partner PSPF, fosters and supports networks of advocates to promote in FoRB in Vietnam, throughout Southeast Asia, and globally.
Impact
In the past year, BPSOS-Thailand's legal program has been able to provide services to:
5,000+
human trafficking victims rescued
2,000+
asylum seekers with legal assistance. 90% have been recognized as refugees
800+
recognized refugees who have already resettled
6,000+
human trafficking victims assistance in over 29 countries
150+
at-risk human rights advocates and prisoners of conscience
2,000+
members of persecuted communities trained on reporting violations
600+
reports submitted to UN mandate holders and different government agencies
$241,250+
secured in emergency assistance for 154 at-risk human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience