| Affiliation with other organizations: |
The original homeland of the Tai people is located in the northwestern provinces of today’s Vietnam: Son La, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Lao Cai and Yen Bai. The Tai nation was originally known as Sip Song Chau Tai (the Twelve Tai Principalities). The Tai people co-habited peacefully there with the Meo (Hmong) and other minor indigenous groups. Since 1888, the autonomy of the nation has gradually been diminished by colonization and conquest. In 1955, after Dien Bien Phu Battle, the nation was abolished and renamed the “Thai-Meo Autonomous Region” (“Khu Tu Tri Thai-Meo”). In 1962, even this identity was taken away and the Tai homeland is now simply known as the northwestern region of Vietnam. According to the Vietnam 2009 census, there were 1,550.423 Tai people, 1,068,189 Hmong in the region, and a very small number of other minor groups such as the Lo Lo, La Ha. In addition to the loss of national identity, the conditions in the region include extreme poverty (70%), population displacement and environmental damage due to flooding caused by hydroelectric dams and destruction of rain forests, loss of rice fields, and most importantly loss of hope. |
Quadrennial report due? Read more on our updated page.
Questions on applications, reports, or other inquiries
Applying for ECOSOC Consultative Status?
Obtaining a UN Grounds Pass
Registering for a UN Conference?