02/02/2006

The Phnong are a hill people from Mondulkiri province of eastern Cambodia, the largest, least populated and most remote province in the country. Refugees International became involved with the Phnong when some were among the last refugees repatriated by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in 1999. After assisting in their return home, the Phnong requested that RI help them resume textile weaving. RI purchased backstrap looms and has sought to expand marketing.

In response to the continuing interest of the Phnong in improving their woven products, RI sponsored a delegation of Phnong weavers to Thailand and Laos. From January 24-31, a group of six Phnong visited Thailand and Laos where they learned more about both cotton and silk materials and techniques.