Kenya Brings Home 153 Trafficking Victims from Myanmar
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Synopsis
The Kenyan government has successfully repatriated 153 citizens from Myanmar, who were trafficked for forced criminal activities. Victims reported severe abuse, including electric shocks and organ harvesting. Upon return, they received counseling. This operation is part of a broader effort to combat human trafficking in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 153 Kenyans rescued from Myanmar.
- Victims faced severe abuse and exploitation.
- Counseling provided upon their return.
- Operation involved the Kenyan embassy in Bangkok.
- Job seekers warned against fraud in the 'Golden Triangle'.
Nairobi, April 7 (NationPress) The Kenyan government announced on Monday that it has successfully brought back 153 citizens who were trafficked to deceptive scam compounds in Myanmar for enforced criminal activities.
Roseline Njogu, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, stated that these individuals were deceived into traveling to Myanmar under false promises of employment and high-paying jobs, only to endure forced labor and exploitation in scam operations.
According to Njogu, victims have reported facing severe punishments, such as electric shocks, physical beatings, and even organ harvesting, as detailed in a statement released in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Upon their return to Nairobi, the victims received counseling and psychological assistance to help them cope with the trauma experienced during their ordeal.
The rescue operation was carried out through the Kenyan embassy in Bangkok, with victims repatriated in three batches: 26 on February 22, 49 on March 22, and 78 on April 5, as per the statement.
Njogu highlighted that the 153 rescued Kenyans were part of over 7,000 individuals of various nationalities rescued from the scam compounds in Myanmar following a multinational rescue effort alongside the government of Thailand, according to Xinhua news agency.
From 2022 to 2024, Kenya has rescued and repatriated 150 Kenyan victims of human trafficking from the 'Golden Triangle' region of Asia.
Njogu urged Kenyan job seekers to thoroughly verify job offers abroad, particularly those that require upfront fees.
She emphasized, “There are currently no job opportunities for Kenyans in the 'Golden Triangle' in Southeast Asia.” She cautioned that any recruitment agency or agent claiming to have job openings in the region should be considered as human traffickers.
