The Zomi Refugee Committee (ZRC) is a community-based, voluntary organization in Malaysia dedicated to supporting Zomi refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar, particularly those from the Chin State. Established in 2013, ZRC collaborates closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide humanitarian assistance and protection services to displaced individuals .
Zomi Refugee Committee, Malaysia
Mission and Background
ZRC’s mission is to restore hope and rebuild lives by facilitating UNHCR operations and offering direct support to refugees. The organization was founded by members of the Zomi ethnic group, who fled Myanmar due to persecution based on race, nationality, and religion. Upon arriving in Malaysia, they established ZRC to assist fellow refugees facing similar challenges.
Core Activities
ZRC provides a range of services to address the needs of the refugee community:
Health Care: Organizing medical outreach and facilitating access to healthcare services.
Education: Operating community-based learning centers, such as the Zomi Education Centre in Cheras, which offers education from preschool through grade 5 to underprivileged children.
Social Welfare: Assisting with housing, food, and other essential needs.
Employment Support: Helping refugees find job opportunities and navigate employment challenges.
Outreach and Intervention: Engaging with the community to provide support and address issues as they arise.
Education Initiatives
ZRC oversees several learning centers across Malaysia to provide education to refugee children. These centers, including the Siamsin Learning Center in Taman Sri Kuching, operate with support from UNHCR and aim to offer a safe and nurturing environment for learning .
Recognition
In recognition of its commitment and effective collaboration with UNHCR, ZRC received the “Outstanding Community-Based Organization” award in 2017. Additionally, UNHCR presented ZRC with a Certificate of Appreciation for promoting community-based protection activities for refugees in Malaysia.
Contact Information
Address: No. 17-C, Lorong Brunei 3, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Office Phone: +60 3-9224 7283
Hotline: +60 12-622 2986
Email: zrcmly@gmail.com
For more information, visit their official website: zrcmalaysia.com.
ZRC continues to play a vital role in supporting Zomi refugees in Malaysia, striving to restore dignity and hope through its dedicated services and programs.
Zomi Press – Beyond News and Views
