Twelve foreign women who were rescued from Chinese scam compounds in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, have been found pregnant after being sexually assaulted during their captivity. The Civil Society Network for Assistance to Human Trafficking Victims (CSNAHTV) has confirmed that these women are now seeking medical treatment in Thailand. The victims were among 320 women, mostly Ethiopian nationals, who were trafficked and held captive in various scam compounds operating in the Myawaddy area.
According to CSNAHTV, the twelve women became pregnant as a result of sexual assaults that occurred while they were being held against their will. One of the women suffered a miscarriage on March 19. The release of these women, along with other trafficking victims, came after Chinese pressure prompted the Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) to intervene with the scam compounds and secure their freedom.
CSNAHTV coordinator Jay Krittaya has formally requested humanitarian and medical assistance for the pregnant women from Thai authorities and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand. The Thai National Human Rights Commission has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with relevant embassies and consulates regarding the women’s situation. Additionally, the commission has called on the Thai National Security Council, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Defense to provide emergency medical care and support services for the pregnant trafficking victims. The situation highlights the ongoing human trafficking crisis in the border regions and the urgent need for medical and humanitarian assistance for survivors of such exploitation.
