The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)

TZU CHI 135 11 important to know, however, that UNHCR’s approach all over the world is actually to help strengthen refugee communities so that they are self-reliant, so that they are empowered, so that they are not waiting for handouts, they are not waiting for charity.” Although UNHCR provides emergency settlement, protection and support services, it has limited manpower and budget. Assistance from local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is still needed in other areas, such as medical assistance, protection of women and children, and education programmes. In this regard, Tzu Chi has been a long-term partner of UNHCR in refugee education and health care. The first collaboration could be traced back to October 10, 2004, where the two parties jointly organized their first free clinic and health education event. Tzu Chi’s volunteer mobilization is not only organized and efficient, but also fully exemplifies the humanitarian spirit. It signed a Memorandum of Understanding and an Implementation Partnership Agreement with UNHCR on refugee aid on March 1, 2005 and August 16, 2007 respectively, to work together to help refugees. In August 2016, UNHCR and Tzu Chi launched the Cash-based Interventions (CBI) project to provide short-term (three to six months) cash aid relief to refugees. Echo Chien, CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, expressed that the aid for refugees is not limited to the areas of collaboration with UNHCR, for refugees’ needs are the Foundation’s consideration in the provision of assistance. She said, “We will do more than what is stipulated by UNHCR.” For every case referred by UNHCR, Tzu Chi will conduct assessments and provide further assistance as needed. Note: Rakhine is a state in southwestern Myanmar, bordering Bangladesh. The Muslim population, predominantly Rohingya, accounts for about a quarter of the total population of the Rakhine State. An endless tsunami of historical, religious and political factors has caused the divide between the Rohingyas and Rakhines over the centuries, and till today, reconciliation is a far cry. [Photo courtesy of The Rohingya Post] I Was Told to Run, and to Run Quickly