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MYAWADDY, MYANMAR – February 14, 2025 – In a significant rescue operation, 138 Ethiopians and 23 Kenyans have been freed from forced labor camps in Myanmar. The individuals, who had been lured to Myanmar with false promises of employment, were subjected to harsh conditions and exploitation.
Intervention by Ethnic Armed Group
The rescue operation was carried out by an ethnic armed group, which transported the victims to Thailand for safety. Upon arrival, Thai military officers assessed the individuals to determine whether they were victims of human trafficking.
Grim Reality of Human Trafficking
The rescued individuals, mostly English- or Chinese-speaking, were forced into activities such as crypto fraud, money laundering, and illegal gambling. Those who refused to participate faced harrowing experiences, including ransom demands from their families.
International Response
The intervention follows a meeting between Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed measures to eliminate scam centers in Myanmar. The Kenyan Embassy in Thailand had previously issued warnings about the dangers of traveling to Myanmar due to human trafficking and mistreatment.
Future Actions
The rescued individuals are now receiving support and care in Thailand, with hopes for their safe return to their home countries. The operation highlights the ongoing challenges of human trafficking and the need for continued international cooperation to combat this issue.