Myanmar pledges efforts to prevent human trafficking, illegal migration

Myanmar is making serious efforts to prevent human smuggling and illegal migration and implementing preventive measures throughout the nation, said a statement of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs published Wednesday.

Voicing deep concern over victims of human smuggling and illegal migration, the statement said Myanmar navy and air force are to make regular patrolling in its territorial waters to deter any illegal trespassing and to provide safety for the trespassers.

Myanmar stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance to anyone who suffered in the sea, the statement also said, adding that the Rakhine state government is also endeavoring to prevent such illegal activities on sea and measures are in place to maintain rule of law and security for all individuals there.

The statement vowed to extend full cooperation with countries in the region in regional mechanisms including the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime.

The statement pledged Myanmar's readiness to work with the international community to alleviate the suffering of the smuggled victims on humanitarian ground.

The Myanmar foreign ministry's statement was issued in response to recent reports by the international media on migrant and boat people in the Andaman Sea and the Straits of Malacca. Endi