Human Trafficking Crisis in Myanmar: A Global Security Threat
Background: The Perfect Storm of Corruption and Governance Gaps
Myanmar, a country plagued by corruption and weak governance, has emerged as a hotbed for human trafficking. The military regime’s border guard forces are profiting from growing criminal empires, creating a fertile ground for traffickers to operate with impunity.
Key Players in the Human Trafficking Crisis
- Karen Border Guard Force (BGF): A key player in providing security to zones along the border and reaping massive profits from growing criminal empires.
- Shwe Kokko Yatai New City: Despite the arrest of a company executive, construction on this city continues unabated, attracting businesses looking to relocate to Myanmar.
Advertisements for Businesses: A Market for Human Trafficking
Cambodia-based Chinese media outlets have been running advertisements for Shwe Kokko Yatai New City, demonstrating that there is a market for businesses to relocate to Myanmar. This raises concerns about the potential for human trafficking and exploitation in these regions.
Human Trafficking Crisis: A Global Security Threat
- Growth of criminal empires: Myanmar has become a preferred location for traffickers due to its governance gaps.
- Revenue from organized crime: The military regime’s revenue from organized crime is becoming a key pillar of its survival strategy.
- China’s warnings: China has publicly described Myawaddy as “terrifying” and warned Chinese nationals not to travel there due to human trafficking concerns.
A Call to Action: Shutting Down Human Trafficking Operations
The human trafficking crisis in Myanmar poses a significant threat to global security. To address this issue, countries like the United States and Thailand must assess how these lawless zones exploit governance gaps among them and take steps to shut off the criminal opportunities such openings create.
By working together, we can bring an end to this human trafficking crisis and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.