Forced marriage is the highest in human trafficking cases in Myanmar

In Myanmar, cases of human trafficking such as forced marriage to neighboring countries, forced prostitution, forced labor, forced sexual acts by other means, and extraction of body parts have been uncovered and arrested. Among these, forced marriage accounts for the highest percentage, according to a message sent by Lieutenant General Nyunt Win Swe, Chairman of the Central Body for Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Union Minister of Home Affairs, on the occasion of the 14th Myanmar Anti-Human Trafficking Day. The breakdown of human trafficking cases shows that forced marriage accounts for 63.86 percent, forced labor for 15.66 percent, forced prostitution for 14.46 percent, forced sexual acts by other means for 4.82 percent, and extraction of body parts for 1.20 percent. In response, the Union Minister stated that relevant ministries are extensively cooperating using technology to effectively prevent and suppress recruitment through fake job advertisements and monetary incentives on social media platforms, as well as organized criminal groups. Regarding perpetrators of human trafficking, investigations have been conducted promptly and effectively, and appropriate penalties have been imposed in accordance with the law. From January 2026 to the present, 83 cases have been uncovered and prosecuted under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Law, resulting in the prosecution of 235 suspects and the rescue and assistance of 143 victims of human trafficking. In terms of sentencing, from January 2026 to the present, 69 cases have been sentenced under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Law, with 122 perpetrators. Among them, two were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment, 33 to 20 years, 79 to 10 years or more, and 8 to less than 10 years, with appropriate penalties imposed on each. Furthermore, it was discovered through investigations that illegal recruitment activities are being carried out by enticing and gathering individuals to be sent to neighboring countries, including those in the Middle East. Those involved in such illegal transportation have been prosecuted under the Foreign Employment Law of 1999, and victims have been assisted in accordance with the law. Lieutenant General Nyunt Win Swe stated that from January 2026 to the present, 23 cases have been prosecuted under the Foreign Employment Law, resulting in the prosecution of 34 male and 39 female suspects, totaling 73 individuals. Additionally, 21 males and 38 females, totaling 59 individuals, who were being transported, have been rescued and assisted.