The Commission on Human Rights is calling for an intensified enforcement of the country’s laws to stop the alleged trafficking of Filipinos to Myanmar. — File photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is calling on the government to conduct an intensified implementation and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws in the country following the rise of alleged human trafficking cases involving Filipinos in Myanmar.
In a statement, the CHR expressed grave concern over reports of Filipinos being trafficked into illegal scam hubs in Myanmar.
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According to the CHR, the Filipino victims, as well as other foreign nationals, were reportedly lured with job offers as customer sales representatives or chat support agents, but were instead trafficked to Myanmar.
“After being transported through the Thai border, they were forced to work in scam centers in Myawaddy, a known hotspot for online fraud operations,” the CHR said.
Victims reportedly endured “dire living conditions” including inadequate food, poor sanitation, limited healthcare, and instances of torture and sexual abuse.
“In many cases, they also suffered physical abuse as punishment for failing to scam others,” the CHR emphasized.
Condemning these reports, the CHR reaffirmed the provisions of Republic Act 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
It said these laws clearly declare human trafficking as a criminal offense and a grave violation of human rights.
“As a cornerstone of our foreign policy, it is incumbent upon all duty-bearers to safeguard and advance the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos across the globe. This obligation reinforces the universal nature of human rights, which all nations are duty-bound to respect and uphold. Indeed, the protection of human dignity knows no borders,” the CHR said.
“As the country’s national human rights institution, the Commission reiterates its call to intensify efforts toward the strengthened implementation and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws in the country,” it added.
Apart from these, CHR said there is also a need for a robust support system for victims, not only to respond to such violations but also to prevent them, and to uphold the rights and dignity of all.