16-year-old Aung* rescued from forced labor on Myanmar fishing boat

Back-to-back crisis

A year after the military seized control of Myanmar, the country is facing serious humanitarian crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic is also dealing a severe blow to the country's economy.

Aung's parents did not have regular jobs. They used to sell snacks along the bank of Inya Lake, a popular recreation area but due to COVID-19 restrictions, they couldn't continue their livelihood. They also work on betel and chilli farms but only earned an average of 150000 Kyats (80 USD) per month. His elder sister used to work at a foam factory, but she became unemployed when the factory closed in January 2022. His brother works in a construction company — but their operations have been unstable even before the pandemic. Even working together, Aung's family makes less than a daily minimum wage.

“COVID-19 made our situation worse. One day, I decided to look for a job to support my family,” recalls Aung*. He felt he has no choice but to work to help his family survive.

According to UN reports, the pandemic wreaks havoc on family incomes, and with only limited support, many children could resort to child labor.¹ As poverty rises, schools are closed or suspended, and children are pushed into the workforce.

Together with his friends, Aung went to his relatives to search for work. They attempted to apply in a quarry operation but didn't get the job.

The false promise

A broker approached Aung and his friends and promised a good-paying job.

“We trusted him easily. Without any doubt, we went with him,” says Aung.

They arrived at Twantay township where they met another three brokers. The recruiter took them to Thamargone motorcycle taxi station in Hlaing Thar Yar where they met another broker named U Ashay Gyi, who offered a job of sorting fish only. Aung didn't hesitate to take the job because he thought the work was manageable for him.

The recruiters then took Aung and his friends to Pyapon, where they spent the night in a small hut behind a food stall. The following day, they were brought to a port in Pyapon.