Myanmar launches new tool to help prevent human trafficking

1 April 2010, Myanmar - Today the Central Body for Suppression of Trafficking in Myanmar launched a Trafficking-in-Persons pamphlet in ten Myanmar townships recognised as trafficking hotspots: Bhamaw and Myitkyina (Kachin State), Lashio and Muse (Northern Shan State), Meiktila and Mandalay (Mandalay Division), Myawaddy (Kayin State), Mawlamyine (Mon State), Bago (Bago Division) and Yangon.

The pamphlet contains a definition of human trafficking, advice on how to avoid being trafficked and a list of contact details for Anti-Trafficking Taskforces in major towns and cities in Myanmar. It has been published in the Myanmar language.

Some 200,000 copies of the pamphlet are currently being distributed to village authorities across Myanmar, as well as communities who are vulnerable to trafficking, persons working in the transport sector, counter-trafficking organisations and national media outlets. The aim is to raise awareness about the crime of human trafficking and help prevent it taking place, while also encouraging reporting of human trafficking cases via the Anti-Trafficking Taskforce hotlines.

Publication of the pamphlet has been supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, UNIAP, World Vision, Save the Children and the Association François-Xavier Bagnoud.

According to the Myanmar Government’s Anti-Trafficking Unit, in 2009 there were a total of 155 reported cases of trafficking of Myanmar persons. Of these, 104 cases involved forced marriage, 25 cases involved forced prostitution, 16 cases involved labour exploitation and 10 cases involved child trafficking.

For more information about trafficking of Myanmar persons, see UNIAP's Myanmar office page.