Asian Journal of Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies

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  • Vol. 2, No. 1, 2026

  • Human trafficking in Myanmar and cooperation within ASEAN: Sexual exploitation and forced labour in the construction sector

  • Received 13.01.2026,
  • Revised 01.05.2026,
  • Accepted 11.06.2026
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Vol. 2, No. 1, 2026
  • counteraction mechanisms; victims; operational practices; protection of victims; international reports
  • https://doi.org/10.63621/ajcjfs/1.2026.65
  • Pages 65-75

The aim of the study was to examine the development and extent of human trafficking problems in Myanmar during 2010-2025. The methodology included a theoretical analysis of the concept of human trafficking and the factors that cause this phenomenon, a documentary analysis of legal documents, and a comparative analysis of international reports on Myanmar, which allowed comparing the legal framework, enforcement mechanisms, and regional cooperation. Human trafficking has been studied as a complex phenomenon that encompasses forced labour and sexual exploitation and is carried out through the recruitment, transportation, and use of persons against their will. It has also been established that its prevalence is caused by poverty, economic and social vulnerability, unequal access to education and social services, conflicts, political instability, and inadequate legal protection. The situation in Myanmar in 2019-2023 was analysed, where 1,105 complaints about forced labour were recorded, of which 707 (≈64%) were resolved, 23 children were released, and 18 military personnel were brought to justice. Data on 418 Rohingya refugees who suffered abuse was summarised, of whom 70.1% were men, 29.6% were women, and 0.3% were non-binary persons; In 86% of cases, forced labour prevailed, and in 87% of cases, recruitment was carried out through promises of employment, most often by neighbours, strangers, and acquaintances. It was concluded that effective counteraction to human trafficking requires a combination of national and international measures to criminalise exploitation, complaint mechanisms, training of law enforcement officers and prosecutors, awareness-raising campaigns, and interstate coordination, and international documents form standards for the protection of victims and coordination of investigations, strengthening cooperation between countries to detect, prevent, and prosecute such crimes. The results of the study can be used by government and international organisations to develop policies, programmes to protect victims, and improve mechanisms to combat human trafficking in Myanmar

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