Final signature count: 5,751

5,751 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

First established over 30 years ago by Dr. Cynthia Maung, Mae Tao Clinic is perhaps the largest and most renowned community-run aid organization in Southeast Asia, serving thousands of migrants and refugees from Myanmar living in and around the Thai city of Mae Sot1.

Each year, the clinic has helped more than 150,000 refugees, unemployed, farmers, and migrant workers in need on the Burma/Thai border2.

While Dr. Cynthia was awarded Australia’s prestigious Sydney Peace Prize for her work3, the Australian government completely cut its support for the Mae Tao Clinic. AusAID believes that since the official war in the country has ceased, everyone should go home.

It’s not that easy.

Hundreds of thousands of people crossed into Thailand to trade everything they had for safety4. What they left behind has been ravaged by conflict and neglect or confiscated by the former Burmese government.

Landmines and possible violence, not to mention a completely depleted infrastructure, await anyone who returns now. While the U.S. yet warns against travel to the country5.

Further, a new wave of coronavirus cases, along with closed borders and a crackdown on aid by the military, which has been accused of hoarding medical supplies for its own use — are stretching the organization’s abilities to the limit6.

AusAID’s support can make a big difference for tens of thousands of people in need every year. Sign the petition and tell Australia’s Foreign Minister to support the Mae Tao clinic once again.