The Irrawaddy Myanmar Asylum Community was established on August 1, 2024, with a resolute commitment to assist all Myanmar refugees who have fled their homeland in search of safety, irrespective of their race or religion. This formation arose in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis following the coup in Myanmar in 2021, which has prompted an increasing number of families and individuals to seek refuge in Thailand and Malaysia.

The plight of these refugees is evident; many arrive in Malaysia without the means to access basic human rights such as the security of life, the right to a fair trial, freedom from torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the rights to health, an adequate education, and an adequate standard of living. The organization aims to fill this critical gap by advocating for refugee rights with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and providing essential assistance. It recognizes that many individuals are confronting medical emergencies and offers assistance through partnerships with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and its allocated budget for medical expenses.

Education is another cornerstone of its mission. A significant number of refugee students have been deprived of educational opportunities due to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Many find themselves in Malaysia facing barriers to completing their high school education and pursuing higher education. To address this urgent need, the organization is committed to establishing a school dedicated to providing quality education for refugee students, thereby empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future.

The goal is ambitious yet vital; it aspires to ensure that every refugee child has access to education, fostering a sense of hope and resilience within a community that has faced unimaginable challenges. By collaborating with esteemed organizations, it believes it can amplify its impact and work together to create opportunities for these refugees and young individuals who need higher education.

Irrawaddy Myanmar Asylum Community