Burmese refugees
After fleeing violence in Myanmar, 36-year-old Nwe* faced danger, debt, and despair on her journey to safety in Thailand. But with support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), funded by the European Union (EU), she found the strength to start again—for herself and her newborn twins.
Nwe’s journey to safety
In Myanmar, Nwe once lived a quiet life of seasonal farming. “We practised seasonal agriculture,” she remembers. “During rice season, we harvested rice. When it was bean season, we picked long beans. We earned our income through daily labour.”
Before conflict uprooted her life, Nwe earned a living through seasonal farming in Myanmar.
Photo: Tawan Pongphat for the IRC
That peace was shattered in February 2021, when the military took control of Myanmar. “My husband and I participated in the demonstrations,” she says. “It took us about a month to gather enough money to come to Thailand. We had to borrow money with interest—about 15,000 THB [Ed. Note: approximately 380€] per person—leaving us in debt.”
The couple’s journey to safety was perilous. “Even though the broker told us we wouldn’t have to walk, in reality, we had to cross many mountains on foot. My legs were in so much pain, and there were leeches all along the way,” recalls Nwe. “At one point, we were packed into a truck, covered with banana leaves. I couldn’t breathe properly because it was so tight. I tried to open a small gap for air, but we were warned not to move at all.”
When they finally reached Thailand, Nwe’s hardships continued. “Because we had no legal documents, it was very difficult to find a job,” she explains. “We were told we’d be working at a fruit factory, but instead, the broker reported us to the police. I cried and begged the translator to have mercy.”
The couple eventually found factory work, but in 2024, Nwe became pregnant. Her husband sent her away. “He did not want to take care of me,” she says quietly. “I stayed with my sister in Mae Sot and tried to get pregnancy care. But the cost was high, and I had no support.”
IRC protection support—a lifeline of care
At her lowest point, Nwe was referred to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), where she began receiving vital support funded by the European Union’s Humanitarian Aid.
“I received psychosocial support, cash assistance, and in-kind support for myself and my children,” she says. “I was also provided with powdered milk, baby clothes, a bed, and dry food like rice, oil, canned fish, and beans. Additionally, I received cash support for house rent—3,000 THB, 2,500 THB, and 2,000 THB [Ed. note: approximately €75, €63, and €50 respectively] at different times.”
Those ECHO-funded lifelines made the difference between homelessness and safety. “Without this support, I would have been on the street,” says Nwe. “I had no one else to take care of me.”
She still remembers the compassion of IRC staff when she gave birth to her twins in March 2025. “It truly touched me when the IRC staff showed up at the hospital a day before my delivery with essential supplies—blankets, baby clothes, mother’s clothes, soap, and toothpaste. At that moment, I thought no one would come to support me. I was very happy.”
Supported by the IRC, with EU-funding, Nwe welcomed her twins into the world with the essentials and care she feared she wouldn’t have.
Photo: Tawan Pongphat for the IRC
A new beginning
Pregnancy and displacement left Nwe vulnerable and emotionally exhausted. “During my pregnancy, I had to live in very poor and unhealthy conditions,” she says. “I was overwhelmed and even considered giving my child away because I felt I had nothing to offer. I was deeply depressed and felt completely hopeless.”
One person who made a lasting impact was IRC staff member Sayarma Ae, who provided both practical and emotional support. “She not only brought the financial and material support I needed but also motivated me with her encouraging words,” says Nwe.
Today, Nwe continues to live with her twin babies, determined to stay strong and give them the future they deserve. Her days begin before dawn. “I currently wake up at 4:00 a.m. to cook and pack food for my husband. My twin boys wake up every 1–2 hours, so I can’t get proper sleep,” she explains. “When both children cry at the same time, I ask a neighbour girl to help me.”
Even through exhaustion, her love for her children keeps her going. “I just look at my babies and bring my strength back,” she says.
With psychosocial support, emergency supplies, and cash assistance, Nwe is slowly rebuilding a sense of safety and home for her children.
Photo: Tawan Pongphat for the IRC
A call for compassion and continued support
When asked what she would tell donors, Nwe’s gratitude is heartfelt. “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me in different ways, especially during my most difficult times. I sincerely pray and wish for the safety and well-being of everyone who has helped me.”
Her story is one of courage, resilience, and hope—a testament to how ECHO-funded IRC programs transform lives in times of crisis.
“I just want my children to grow up healthy, polite, and well-educated,” Nwe says. “I will do my best to make that possible.”
Photo: Tawan Pongphat for the IRC
*Name has been changed for privacy
About our work with the European Union
The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.
