Human trafficking continues to be a widespread issue along the Thai-Myanmar border. Migrants along the border live at the margin of society, in a condition of extreme poverty and deprivation. Their vulnerable condition expose them to the risk of falling victims of human trafficking and abuse. Many migrants from Myanmar are smuggled into Thailand and employed under exploitative conditions, most likely in dirty, difficult, and dangerous jobs. Tracking human traffickers and identifying their victims is particularly difficult as the phenomenon relies on a pervasive network of actors.
Awareness raising is pivotal to spreading knowledge on human trafficking and yet a key to fight against it. The Tak Social Development and Human Security Office is dedicated to raising awareness on these issues and providing protection to people in the region around Mae Sot. On 23 July 2018, the Rays of Youth team of Help without Frontiers collaborated with the Tak Social Development and Human Security Office in organising an anti-human trafficking event.
The event saw the participation of more than 300 students and teachers from our Ray of Hope schools as well as from other Migrant Learning Centres in the area. The invited government agencies demonstrated their commitment to the cause and to updating anti-human trafficking policies. Local NGOs and international organizations are given the opportunity to cooperate with local authorities in improving the situation on the ground and contrast human trafficking. The invited community members joined many activities and learned more about how to improve their security and the one of others.
Help without Frontiers organises awareness raising campaigns and events to promote safe migration along the Thai-Myanmar border, in an attempt to safe more lives and yet improve the condition of Burmese children, youth and communities.
