Who are the HRIPHI Refugees?

The women artisans of Our Malaysia are refugees from the Chin region of Myanmar, specifically the Christian community of HRIPHI (pronounced Rippy). Christians in the Chin community have been persecuted for a number of years, forcing families to flee Myanmar and resettle in a number of places all over the world.

The HRIPHI refugees who found their way to Malaysia are safe from persecution but struggle to provide for their families. Because of their refugee status, these families are not recognized by the state and therefore do not have the same privileges as other foreigners in Malaysia. In fact, refugees are unable to opening a bank account, apply for a work visa, access affordable education, and other essential resources. In order to live day to day families rely heavily on charitable giving and manual labour that is often a sporadic source of income.