/

Myanmar-Thai Meeting: Return And Reintegration Of Victims Of Trafficking

8 August 2019
10539
2019-08-08 16:42

Myanmar hosted the 23rd Myanmar-Thailand Case Management Meeting on Return and Reintegration of victims of Trafficking on Thursday in Yangon.

The meeting has been convened twice a year since 2008. Officials from Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Department of Rehabilitation, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security from Thailand, Immigration Bureau, Department of Special investigation, Anti-human trafficking division, the Attorney-General Office, Department of Labour Protection and concerned INGOs gathered at the meeting to solve human trafficking problems. 

According to the officials, over 800 trafficked persons have returned back to the country through cooperation between the two countries. This process has been working closely between Myanmar Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Thailand Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

Assistant Director, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Khine Su Lwin said “Since 2008, we held this kind of meeting and it is 23rd time. More than 800 trafficked persons have already sent back and help them to meet with their families and rehabilitate their lives. After scrutinizing process, they were sending back to Myanmar through three border gates, Myawaddy-Mae Sot, Tachileik-Mae Sai, and Kawthaung-Ranong. But some of the victims are migrant workers who are planning to go to Malaysia from Thailand. Based on the finding of collect data and facts on the victims of trafficking, today, we will discuss and find the solutions to address the issues and will try our best to accomplish it before the 24th meeting.”

Thai officials said 30% of the human trafficking are from Myanmar and they will strengthen cooperation and plan to combat trafficking issues.

Director, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Sunee Srisangatrakullert said “In Thailand, we have 9 shelters for trafficked persons, 4 for men, 4 for women and 1 for children.  About 30% of the human trafficking victims in Thailand are from Myanmar, aged around 30 years old. Most of the cases are forced prostitution, forced labors and migrant workers who are heading to neighboring countries. Through this regular meeting, we will discuss closely to find the solutions to address the issues more effectively.”

 IOM also stressed on raising awareness and capacity development activities that they are working.

National Programme Officer, IOM Myanmar, Shwe Yin Mar Saw said “IOM has been working closely with concerned departments and anti-human trafficking units for awareness programs and knowledge sharing to the locals. We also assist and support in the capacity building of the related departments and officials and meet with community to share necessary knowledge on human trafficking. We do have coverage for the whole country but mostly in Kachin, Kayin and Northern Shan States.”

According to the officials, Thailand will be the host country for the 24th Myanmar-Thailand Case Management Meeting to strengthen more cooperation between the two countries.

-- End --