Populations Being Served by UNIAP

Cambodian men and boys trafficked onto fishing boats

UNIAP is working to support a number of front-line responders to the plight of Cambodian men and boys trafficked onto fishing boats in Thailand. Little attention has been brought to this problem, but with a few key responders bringing this to light, and with support from a number of advocacy, UNIAP is working to assist these victims with technical and financial support to key organizations. Through small grants, UNIAP is supporting LICADHO, LSCW, HRDF and Tenaganita to provide further support to these victims and respond to the crime across three countries.

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand and Malaysia

Migrants from Myanmar, whether initially trafficked or smuggled out of the country and into Thailand or Malaysia, often find themselves in exploitative conditions. In some destinations there is no support provided to those who find themselves in trafficking like situations and UNIAP is working with a number of partners to identify where such victims may be found and what services they need. In some situations, migrants from Myanmar are particularly vulnerable to trafficking and there are criminal networks and operations that take advantage of this. In responding to cases identified by front-line responders, UNIAP is also able to work with government law enforcement agencies to undertake appropriate investigations and identify potential traffickers.

Vulnerable populations in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis

Cyclone Nargis swept through Myanmar in May 2008, affecting around 2.4 million people and killing around 140,000 people, and leaving thousands in very vulnerable circumstances. Shortly after, reports of brokers and agents approaching young people desperate to earn cash and rebuild their lives were on the rise, leading UNIAP and partners to begin extensive vulnerability reduction and trafficking prevention / awareness raising programs in Nargis-affected areas. Direct assistance was also provided, as well as capacity building to local responders to understand how to identify, report, and handle cases of possible trafficking and exploitative brokering.

Survivors of the Ranong death tragedy in 2008

From the day of the tragedy, close collaboration between government and NGOs in both Myanmar and Thailand has worked to ensure protection of the rights of Myanmar migrants. 66 survivors have been safely repatriated, and the victims’ heirs have received 35,000 baht preliminary compensation from the Office of Insurance Commission under the Traffic Accident Victim Protection Act B.E. 2535. The success of the compensation claim for migrants established that regardless of their ethnic differences every victim is protected by the Thai law, reflecting the recognition of human rights protection in Thai society. UNIAP has conducted post-return follow-up work with survivors in Myanmar, and on the Thailand side continues to encourage prosecution of the 4 defendants who have denied any involvement in the tragedy in Ranong.