The chances of rescuing women sold to China are significantly low after the military coup, according to women’s rights activists.
According to women’s rights activists, among those trafficked to China are primarily Kachin women, as well as women from across Myanmar. They are often sold as brides and forced to work in illegal online gambling and scams (Kyar Phyant).
San Htoi, spokesperson for the Thailand-based Kachin Women’s Association Thailand (KWAT), stated: “Due to the political and military situations in their regions, they travel to border areas in search of work, often encouraged by friends and relatives. Most of them are sold upon arrival on the other side.”
According to women’s rights activists, the chances of rescuing women trafficked to China have significantly decreased after the coup. It has become increasingly difficult to gather information and compile accurate data about them.
Since the 2021 coup, the closure of border gates by China, limited opportunities for free movement, and the growing challenges for armed organizations to offer assistance due to local conditions have all exacerbated the situation.
San Htoi explained that, under these conditions, women seeking work in China are being trafficked as Chinese wives, deceived by promises of substantial financial gains.
San Htoi said, “In reality, they don’t know they will be trafficked. Their husbands, who are working in China, ask them to come for jobs. Once they arrive, they inevitably become Chinese wives and are then handed over to human traffickers.”
San Htoi, quoting those who have escaped, said trafficked women face confinement, sexual assault, and beatings. Those who resist are often subjected to various forms of torture.
In China, women are bought for an illegal price ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 yuan. Those who escaped reported being taken to the remote provinces of Henan and Shandong.
San Htoi stated that to eliminate the trafficking of women, political stability, regional stability, and fair wages are essential.
San Htoi added, “To address the issue of human trafficking of women, a change in Myanmar’s political situation is crucial. With ongoing armed conflicts and instability, women who must earn a living have no security and are forced to seek job opportunities elsewhere. As a result, they become vulnerable, and these situations create a pattern for such cases.”
Women’s rights activists say that, along with being sold to China, women are also trafficked to illegal online money scam gangs in northern Shan State, Tachileik in eastern Shan State, and Myawaddy on the Thai-Myanmar border.
According to the KWAT, between 2019 and 2023, 187 victims escaped from these illegal online scam gangs.
Sent by NMG