India-Myanmar MoU on bilateral cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons

Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Myanmar on bilateral cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons; Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Re-integration of victims of Trafficking. The cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Highlights of MoU

Objective:

• To increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of prevention, rescue, recovery and repatriation related to victims of human Trafficking as well as to strengthen friendship bonds between India-Myanmar
• To strengthen cooperation for preventing all forms of human trafficking and protecting and assisting victims of trafficking.

Provisions:

Prevent trafficking in persons by strengthening immigration and border controls cooperation and implementation of strategies with relevant Ministries and Organizations of both the countries.

Set up Working Groups or Task Force to make efforts to prevent human trafficking as well as undertake Capacity building programmes for the agencies concerned of both countries.

Developing and sharing database on traffickers and victims of trafficking in a safe and confidential manner and exchanging information via designated focal points of India and Myanmar.

Formulating and adopting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration of the victims of trafficking and at the same time ensuring speedy investigation and prosecution of traffickers and organized crime syndicates in either country.

Background

Human Trafficking has national and international consequence therefore its complex nature calls for a multidimensional strategy in tackling it at both domestic/regional/international level. Being global in scope, international cooperation and collaboration is essential to check trafficking in persons.

Moreover, strengthening cooperation between India’s and Myanmar’s border control agencies as well as establishing direct channels of communication can be an effective tool in countering trafficking in persons and promoting cross-border and regional cooperation.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019