Promoting the Rule of Law in Myanmar: Success Story

Many people, seeking legitimate jobs, cross the border only to find themselves caught up in a criminal enterprise. Thwee Community Development Network (TCDN), through a grant from the Promoting the Rule of Law Project (PRLP), is combatting TIP through awareness raising activities, protection measures, and victim support services in Myawaddy Township. Aye Aye Than, a client of TCDN, spent nine years working illegally in a factory in Thailand for a promised salary of $225 per month, which was seldom paid in full. She often worked from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m. and was beaten for being sleepy at work. After TCDN training, Aye Aye Than now shares information about safe migration, problems faced by illegal workers, and procedures for traveling legally to young people who are seeking to migrate. She values the information and assistance provided by TCDN, which focuses on the same situations she experienced. Moe Kaung, another client of TCDN, was exploited by being sold from one broker to another. After being transported to various locations at night and hidden in the daytime, he was sold to work on a fishing boat which was continuously guarded. Moe Kaung, and others like him, were held as prisoners, never being allowed to leave the boat even when in port. He is now an active volunteer in his community, sharing information about TIP and human rights. Moe Kaung said, "Today in my village, people are more informed and more prepared about working in Thailand. They know how to protect themselves from being exploited." TCDN is collaborating with various government officials and community organizations to protect victims and provide services such as counseling and safe houses. They conduct advocacy meetings and workshops with township level government officials and distribute awareness raising materials. Additionally, they conducted a commemoration of the signing of the Myanmar Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law, bringing together the community and government to discuss how to best assist victims and protect others from falling prey to this abuse. With support from PRLP, TCDN continues to provide a more inclusive and responsive approach to addressing human rights abuses. The success of TCDN's efforts is evident in the increased awareness and preparedness of the community. Aye Aye Than and Moe Kaung, as well as other clients of TCDN, are now actively sharing their experiences and knowledge with young people in their village, helping to prevent others from falling victim to TIP. Through their work, TCDN is making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities in Myanmar.