Twelve foreign women who were rescued from Chinese scam compounds in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, are seeking medical treatment in Thailand after becoming pregnant due to sexual assault during their captivity. According to the Civil Society Network Assisting Human Trafficking Victims (CSNAHTV), these women were subjected to sexual violence while being held captive by the scam compounds, and one of them suffered a miscarriage on March 19. The situation has highlighted the severe human rights violations occurring within these criminal operations along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
Reports indicate that a total of 320 women, predominantly Ethiopian nationals, were trafficked into these Chinese-run scam compounds in Myawaddy. Among them, 12 women were found to be pregnant as a result of sexual assault, requiring urgent medical attention and care. Their release was secured following pressure from China on the Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), who subsequently intervened to rescue the trafficking victims from the scam compounds. The situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of human trafficking and exploitation in the border regions.
Jay Krittaya, coordinator of CSNAHTV, has formally requested assistance from Thai authorities and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand to provide humanitarian aid and medical care for the pregnant women. The Thai National Human Rights Commission has responded by urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with relevant embassies and consulates. Additionally, they have called on the Thai National Security Council, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Defense to provide emergency medical treatment and care for the pregnant trafficking victims. These efforts demonstrate the ongoing challenges in addressing human trafficking and providing support for survivors in the region.
