Another remarkable day
World Vision Myanmar, in collaboration with the Government’s Anti-trafficking Task Force (ATTF) commemorated Human Trafficking in Person Day in Myanmar on 13 September 2015.
Human trafficking is an ongoing problem in the country and a major issue that requires joint efforts to combat. Together, World Vision Myanmar, the Central Body of Suppression of Trafficking in Person (CBTIP), ATTF, UN agencies and other I/NGOs are fighting against human trafficking and working to address the problem.
Beginning in 2013, Myanmar marked the date 13 September as Myanmar Trafficking in Person Day (TIP) and is commemorated across the country on that day.
World Vision Myanmar, one of the lead agencies in combating human trafficking, participated in the TIP day event organized at the national level as well as in seven other states and regions across.
“We have set 5 strategies to fight against this issue nationwide. This year we have expanded our effort and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian
government, which will strengthen the criminal justice response to trafficking. We need to increase our effort to a global level,” says U Khin Maung Oo, Kayah State’s Chief Minister.
World Vision Myanmar assisted children and youth groups who presented the anti-trafficking advocacy messages through songs, art performances and role-play.
At the National event in Nay Pyi Taw, 5 young people participated and engaged with policy makers and lead the exhibition booth, which won the best display award.
“This is a big chance for us as we can meet with the high officials and present our opinions about combating human trafficking in Myanmar. We will share our experiences in our community and with our peers,” says Nyan Win, a youth advocate who volunteered at the National event.
"Let's remember to support the Myanmar people who are being trafficked and exploited,” said one of the dancers who led the dance troupe during the event held in Kayah state.
After the ceremonies and events in Yangon, Mandalay and Mawlamaying, youth and well-known vocalists traveled around towns, raising awareness through songs and distribution of pamphlets.
“Love is sympathy, love is the only the way to prevent exploitation and human trafficking, so let’s love each other,” a Reggae singer Saw Poe Kwar, said while participating in Mandalay’s road show.
Awareness raising vinyl-boards portraying anti-trafficking message were erected in every township, region and state where World Vision Myanmar participated.
The longtime issue is now becoming a top priority in the country. The government is leading the movement and welcomes any effort to end human trafficking in the country as well as in the region. One agency or the government alone cannot solve this problem. It needs to be a joint effort. So let’s each play our part to end human trafficking.