Myanmar and Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to fight against human trafficking, especially of women and children, between the two neighbouring countries.

Thailand’s Minister of Social Development and Human Security Issara Somchai said he had signed the agreement with Myanmar Home Affairs Minister Gen. Maung Oo in Myanmar’s administrative capital of Naypyidaw on Friday.

Under the terms of the pact, the two countries will tackle and prevent cross-border trafficking.

A statement issued in Myanmar after the signing of the pact said it covers areas such as prevention, protection, recovery and reintegration of victims, law enforcement  and criminal justice, “as well as developing and implementing joint actions between the two countries.”

Mr. Issara said there are now 192 Myanmar currently identified women and children victims of human trafficking in Thailand who will be sent back to their home country as soon as possible.

He said more checkpoints would be set up in the Thai-Myanmar border province of Kanchanaburi to prevent illegal entry of Myanmar nationals as well as to interdict drug smuggling.

According to Mr. Issara, Friday’s agreement will complement anr MoU signed in 2003 between the two countries which help prevent human trafficking in the form of labour. (TNA)

Print This Post Print This Post