13 September 2022
1. The issue of trafficking in persons is a modern form of slavery which can be regarded as inhumane exploitation. Trafficking in persons occurs on a global scale and the impacts of trafficking in persons strike more in the developing nations. In modern times, trafficking in persons is an issue linked to transnational crimes. Though the international community puts its utmost efforts to address the issue, it recognizes that the number of trafficking in persons-related cases remains high.
2. Myanmar defined anti-trafficking in persons as a national priority in 1997 by adopting three strategies and four plans. Myanmar joined the United Nations as a member state on 19 April 1948 and signed the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) along with its two Protocols namely Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children and Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air on 30 March 2004.
3. In addition, Myanmar is a member of the Cooperative Project against Trafficking in Persons of the Six Greater Mekong Sub-Region (Six GMS Nations) and bilateral Memoranda of Understanding against Trafficking in Persons with China, Thailand, Laos and India were signed to further strengthen the cooperative mechanisms in combatting trafficking in persons. Moreover, within the framework of the Bali Process and the Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which was established in 1997, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal have been cooperating since 2004 in order to combat transnational organized crimes including trafficking in persons.
4. Regarding regional cooperation, ASEAN member states including Myanmar developed the ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons for the prevention of trafficking in persons on 21 November 2015. Furthermore, the SOMTC working group on trafficking in persons and the ASEAN Heads of Specialist Units working group on trafficking in persons were formed to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing the issue. Additionally, Bohol TIP Work Plan (2017-2020) has been developed for its implementation in cooperation with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies/ Organs- SBOs
5. Nowadays, the cases of trafficking in persons are increasing in different countries and inflict greater risks among vulnerable communities. According to the 2021 TIP Report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the impact of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nature of trafficking in persons and on the number of victims in the last two years is undeniable. It is observed that the traffickers committed trafficking in persons by taking advantage of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn and increased amount of time spent online by adults and children. Therefore, it is stressed in the report the need to further enhance our capacity and efforts on prevention measures.
6. Moreover, the report also mentioned the increase in the number of victims of sexual exploitation and forced labour on a global scale due to the crises that occurred in the last nine months, the mounted cases of recruitment by traffickers utilizing technologies such as internet users worldwide increase due to advanced technologies and COVID-19 pandemic and lastly, the call on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2020 which fell on 30 July 2020 to effectively apply technology in preventing trafficking in persons.
7. In Myanmar, the key factor that contributes to trafficking in persons is the rise in the search for job opportunities. There seems an especially strong connection with the demand vacuum of other countries since domestic trafficking comprises only 19.68 % while international trafficking does 80.32 per cent. Fifty per cent of victims comprise women and children. Different forms of trafficking in persons include persuading young girls by brokers for forced marriage, surrogacy, sexual exploitation, labour exploitation on fishing vessels and rafts, forced labour by debt on vulnerable people and selling people by using social media, etc.
8. Regarding the awareness raising on the risks of trafficking in persons, the measures such as providing training, broadcasting stories and songs on trafficking in persons, erecting billboards, distributing pamphlets, sending SMSs via mobile operators, and adding as a subject in the curriculum of basic education, etc. are conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Information. The 24-hour Hotlines for receiving complaints on trafficking in persons are installed in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Muse in order to rescue the victims and investigate the traffickers in a timely manner. Moreover, the migrant resource centres are opened with the aim to raise awareness and provide information on trafficking in persons for the migrant workers and their family members.
9. In the victim-support sector, “National Standard Operating Procedures on Return/ Repatriation, Reintegration and Rehabilitation of victims of trafficking in persons” was published and introduced to the Central Body for Suppression of trafficking in persons and other relevant departments. The training courses on the use of the SOP to enhance the coordination among the practitioners and to timely fulfil the rights and needs of victims timely were provided. The victims of trafficking in persons were supported for their travel expenses, medical expenses and food expenses during the trial period. Support for the victims for their rehabilitation and reunion with their families has also been continuing. A separate fund was set in order to support victims. Besides, the basic needs of the victims are provided for while they are in the temporary shelters in Myawady, Muse, Kawthoung, Mandalay and Yangon and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, COVID-19 preventive measures including taking COVID-19 tests and providing personal protective equipment along with the psychological support have been making available.
10. The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Law (2005) was amended in order to address the modern forms of trafficking in persons and the amended law was enacted as the Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Persons Law on 16 June 2022. In the amended Law, additional punishments and charges for the traffickers who use the internet and technology were included so that cases of trafficking in persons by using the internet and IT could also be addressed. In Session 6 of the new Law, there is not only witness protection but also victim protection. The amended law further includes a provision for witness protection in Session 6 while the old one includes a session only for victim protection.
11. Taking advantage of advanced information technology by the perpetrators of trafficking in persons poses a challenge for prevention. UNODC also called for making use of technology in the prevention of trafficking in persons. The following measures must be implemented as prevention of trafficking in persons will be contributed by the development of human resources, economic development, improved knowledge, and capacity to effectively implement policies and strategies and the achievement of technology:(a) To enhance cooperation among the relevant ministries, Nay Pyi Taw Council, Regional/State governments, civil society organizations and the local population in a coordinated manner for the prevention of trafficking in persons through the national economic development plans;
(b) To conduct research and studies on combating trafficking in persons during and after the post-COVID-19 pandemic and apply the findings practically;
(c) To explore effective ways to respond and investigate the cases based on the victims’ experience by using the technology;
(d) To strengthen the cooperation with trafficking in person suppression organizations from neighbouring countries and collaborate with them in countering transnational trafficking in person cases, and to improve the use of online technology.
12. In accordance with the motto of the 10th ceremony of Myanmar’s Anti-trafficking in Persons Day 2022 “Strengthen the role of technology in combatting trafficking in persons”, cooperation among the relevant ministries should be continued to advance technologies in the exchange of information and investigation with the support of the people. In this way, it is firmly believed that the tireless efforts of Myanmar will greatly contribute to combatting trafficking in persons in the country and beyond.
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