Human trafficking in Myanmar driven by regional demand of child trade
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ALynn/ Yoon (NP News) - Sep 15
According to the Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, human trafficking in Myanmar is connected to the market demands of certain neighboring and Middle Eastern countries, with child trafficking also occurring.
The Home Affairs Minister mentioned this in his message for the 12th Myanmar Anti-Trafficking Day.
Human traffickers are using Facebook, WeChat, Telegram, and TikTok to carry out online fraud.
According to annual statistics, 56 percent of human trafficking occurs domestically and 44 percent internationally. Within domestic trafficking, there is a significant prevalence of forced prostitution and labour.
Additionally, international human trafficking includes cases of forced marriage, coerced prostitution, forced labor, debt bondage, forced adoption, child trafficking, and coerced begging.
A retired official from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit told The Statesman Journal, "People can be trafficked through both illegal and legal routes. Those who travel illegally are at high risk of human trafficking, but even those who go through legal paths can also be victims. For example, some individuals travel to China with valid visas only to be exploited as forced labor or sold as spouses. We are increasingly observing cases on platforms like TikTok where individuals are promised jobs in China but end up being coerced into forced marriages with Chinese men.”
In domestic human trafficking cases, it has been reported that young women from regions such as Rakhine State, Yangon Region, Ayeyawady Region, Bago Region, and Naypyidaw are being deceived and recruited. These women are then transported to areas in northern and eastern Shan State, Muse, Laukkai, Myitkyina, and Tachilek, where they are subjected to forced labor and prostitution.
In addition, according to the Home Affairs Minister, human traffickers previously operating in Yangon Region, Ayeyawady Region, Bago Region and Naypyidaw have fraudulently recruited young women. These women are now being transported to neighboring countries and sold to traffickers in border regions as well as to brokers in other countries.
"Currently, we are observing cases on TikTok where people are recruited with promises of work in Chinese garment factories, only to be coerced marriage with Chinese men. It's crucial for people to be aware of human trafficking and for there to be reliable sources of information on combating it. Anti-trafficking teams need to stay informed about changing trends. Rescuing victims is very challenging and requires international cooperation. The conditions for human trafficking are worsening, with illegal crossings into Thailand and increased recruitment at the Chinese border contributing to the rise in trafficking cases," the source said.
Furthermore, they are engaged in illegal activities by recruiting Myanmar nationals and sending them to the Middle East and neighboring countries. In 2023, there were 199 actions taken against illegal transporters under the Overseas Employment Law, comprising 174 men and 209 women, totaling 383 individuals.