Blog 24 - Integrating a Quote 1

Integrating a quote.

After reading the paper, ‘Human Trafficking in Burma and the Solutions

Which Have Never Reached.’(Thanawat Pimoljinda & Apiradee Thianthong), I have a clearer picture of the situation in Burma.

As the name suggests, the paper covers the problem of human trafficking in Burma. It explains the circumstances that led to the development of the human trafficking and considers the economic and political implications.

The ruling junta in Burma discriminates against ethnic minorities in the region and pushes them to try and leave the country by any means possible. These minorities end up being exploited because they take jobs other people would not and at the end of the day, most agree to trafficking as a way to stay alive. The paper addresses an interesting problem:

‘It can be argued that the existence of laws that prohibit sexual offenses and provide strong punishments does not mean things are adequately, or sometimes really enforced.’

It talks about how the organizations put in place to make sure that human trafficking is eradicated have failed. According to the paper, when organizations such as the Myanmar Maternal and

Child Welfare Association (MMCWA) were set up, there was hope that they would bring an end to the situation. They were set up to maintain the welfare of women and children, and to improve their social standing by making them more involved in the society (Page 7).

The practices of the junta, however, continue to thwart their efforts. Through practices such as forced relocation, destruction of property and extra judicial killing, they push these unfortunate people right back into situations where they are taken advantage of or trafficked (Page 7).  

As the quote above says, while the laws, or in this case the organizations are put in place, it does not mean that they are always effective. Because the junta is in charge, it can decide which laws decide to be implemented. The government cannot be seen disobeying its own law and so decides not to enforce the laws it breaks.